URBAN guidelines The European Commission has published a draft notice for the establishment of draft guidelines for operational programmes under the framework of the Community initiatives concerning urban areas (URBAN). The Commission consulted the Committee of the Regions (COR) on the conten... The European Commission has published a draft notice for the establishment of draft guidelines for operational programmes under the framework of the Community initiatives concerning urban areas (URBAN). The Commission consulted the Committee of the Regions (COR) on the content of the draft notice. In adopting the draft notice, the Committee highlighted the importance of the Commission's overall approach to the Community initiatives for the period 1994-1999 which is based on cross-border, transnational and inter-regional cooperation and networks. The management of industrial change, with its consequences for employment and the development of human resources, is also cited by the Committee as central to the effectiveness of the Structural Funds. Many aspects of Community policies and Community initiatives have environmental consequences on urban life and land use, such as those concerning energy, transport, SMEs, tourism and social policy. The Fourth Framework Programme will address the increasing need for targeted socio-economic research with a specific programme in this area. In adopting the draft notice, the COR endorsed the general thrust of the Commission's proposed initiative which is designed to form part of long- term integrated strategy covering economic development, energy transport, spatial planning and all other aspects relating to urban environment.
