In December 2005, on behalf of the UK Presidency of the European Union, Ministers and representatives from Member States and European institutions gathered in Bristol. They discussed a common European approach to sustainable communities. This publication contains the conclusions of that Informal Meeting and the agreement which is known as the “Bristol Accord.”

The Bristol Accord identifies Europe-wide principles and characteristics of a sustainable community. It provides a comprehensive and coherent framework to deliver sustainable development, economic prosperity and social justice in an era of rapid global economic change. And it encourages a better environment, stronger democracy and effective local leadership. The Bristol Accord is a practical approach with a strong focus on outcomes, including sharing good practice and capacity building, drawing on ideas from across Europe.

The Bristol meeting proposed work to increase the potential of the European Investment Bank to finance innovative projects that help to deliver sustainable communities. It recognised that the culture of decision making needs be changed. It calls for investment in the new skills needed to create more and better sustainable communities.

The Bristol Accord was agreed upon at the Informal Ministerial meeting of European Ministers for Urban Policy under the UK Presidency of the European Union in December 2005 in Bristol.

Department for Communities and Local Government - DCLG
Phone: +44 20 7944 4400
upu@odpm.gsi.gov.uk

01/03/2006

policy

Urban Policy