Commission launches three new URBAN programmes in France The European Commission has approved the launch of three URBAN programmes in favour of the disadvantaged areas of Chalons-sur-Saone, Saint Etienne and parts of the towns of Clichy-sous-Bois and Monfermeil. The aim of the URBAN Community Initiative is to assist Member States i... The European Commission has approved the launch of three URBAN programmes in favour of the disadvantaged areas of Chalons-sur-Saone, Saint Etienne and parts of the towns of Clichy-sous-Bois and Monfermeil. The aim of the URBAN Community Initiative is to assist Member States in their efforts to rehabilitate urban areas in crisis. The Community aid to be awarded to these three programmes will be around ECU 16 million. The total investment, including national and private contributions, will be in the order of the ECU 48 million. This sum should help set up a range of actions aimed at combating social exclusion and unemployment. Countries France