Cities of tomorrow - Challenges, visions, ways forward

More than two thirds of the European population lives in urban areas. Cities are  places where both problems emerge and solutions are found. They are fertile ground for science and technology, for culture and innovation, for individual and collective creativity, and for mitigating the impact of climate change.

However, cities are also places where problems such as unemployment, segregation  and poverty are concentrated. We need to better understand the challenges that different European cities will  face in the years ahead. This is why we decided to bring together a number of  urban experts and representatives of European cities to think about the future.  This report is the outcome of that reflection.

It raises awareness of the possible future impacts of a range of trends, such as demographic decline and social polarisation, and the vulnerability of different  types of cities. It also highlights opportunities and the key role cities can play in achieving EU objectives – especially in the implementation of the Europe 2020 strategy. It presents some inspirational models and visions. It also confirms  the importance of an integrated approach to urban development.

To read the report : http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/docgener/studies/pdf/citiesoftomorrow/citiesoftomorrow_final.pdf