The role of the cities in structural funds programmes for 2007-2013

The new European cohesion policy, and its implementation by member states, is being drawn up in the framework of a whole and comprehensive sustainability approach, towards social cohesion and economic goals (Lisbon strategy) and environmental quality (Goteborg strat-egy). In this context, the role of local territorial systems is crucial: cities have been identified by the European Commission as motors for growth and jobs and the new funding policy has the function to support this role, following British sustainable communities model.