engleski

Contribution of Urban Development to Economic Growth in the Middle and East European Region

Economic growth is sustainable when it is accompanied by measures designed to reduce poverty, social exclusion and environmental problems. The issue of sustainable growth character is particular important in cities which are most important in cities which are most exposed to the problems of social exclusion, environmental pollution and spatial spreading. Cities have also recorded significant differences in the economic and social aspect. There are spatial inequalities (between neighborhoods) or social inequalities (between different groups). Currently, differences include both dimensions. Quality of urban space can also be an attraction factor (URBACT 2007). Urban and metropolitan areas function as drivers of national and regional competitiveness. Consequently, it is important to ensure growth of strong urban areas and through investments in transportian infrastructure to revive their connections with neighboring areas and remote rural areas. Strong urban centers have a major role in the transfer of expertise, eliciting growth and stimulation of competitiveness. Europe is characterized by a polycentric structure of small, medium and large cities. Many of them from metropolitan areas, while many others constitute only urban centers in the region. Effective management of major urban systems (public transport, energy management, waste management) is necessary' if one wants to follow the strategy of sustainable development of urban and metropolitan areas. Balanced spatial development requires careful planning and improvement of connections of urban and rural areas. For effective urban policy it is crucial to develop and implement models of metropolitan and urban management. With regard to the holistic and multicultural approach that is necessary for effective urban policy there must be engaged all relevant levels of government. Authorities responsible for different spatial levels (regions, departments or districts, cities) should cooperate in an organized manner, if possible on the basis of agreed planning tools Balanced territorial development, sustainable spatial equilibrium, satisfying connections between urban and peri- urban and rural areas cannot be achieved without joint management and planning effort (URBACT 2007). Towns of the countries in the region of Central and Eastern Europe will at some point join the already existing networks and working groups with great enthusiasm and a desire to adopt ideas, practical solutions and tools in order to try to solve jhe problems they face in terms of urban development From their current participation in the project of URBACT 2002-2006 and analysis of the situation in European cities of the new member states, several topics (among others) have been especially interesting (URBACT 2007): reconstructions of residential areas, common property management, copying with decline in population, public transport and transport infrastructure, local economic development (especially in cities that are still depending on traditional industries decline, high expectations in terms of measures of financing such as public-private partnership), restoration of abandoned industrial areas, putting of abandoned areas that were used for military propose in the re-use, urban environement (particulary waste management, waste water treatment), an integrative approach to urban development.

urban development ; economic growth ; Central and Eastern Europe

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