Debate with the architects on the new EU public procurement regulations
Jan Olbrycht participated today in the discussion “European public procurement and the built environment. Striving to achieve sustainable quality.”
The discussion aimed at bringing a useful contribution to the political debate on the reform of EU public procurement rules. The participants highlighted the necessity to fully take into account the need to reinforce the global quality and sustainability of the built environment for the sake of society and future generations.
The event was organised by the Association of Architects – G30 with the support of the URBAN Intergroup. Heide Rühle, EP’s rapporteur for the opinion on the European Commission’s Green Paper on the modernisation of public procurement and member of the URBAN Intergroup, also took part in the panel discussion along with Jan Olbrycht, President of the URBAN Intergroup, MEPs and architects invited as speakers for the event.
Debate on the urban dimension of cohesion policy launched
Today, Jan Olbrycht participated in two workshops devoted to the urban development during the ongoing 9th European Week of Regions and Cities (Open Days 2011).
Today’s discussions were the first opportunity to discuss European Commission’s proposals regarding support for the urban development in the legislative package for cohesion policy 2014-2020. The proposal includes among other things the establishment of an urban development platform on European level, an envelope of funds from the European Regional Development Fund devoted to integrated and innovative approach to sustainable urban development, as well as, the elaboration at the national level of a list of cities that will implement the integrated strategies for urban development.
“I am very satisfied with the enhanced incorporation of urban problems in the proposed legislation. Cities are the enormous potential ofEurope, many EU strategies are implemented in cities; however, many current problems are also concentrated in urban areas. I am especially pleased with the underlying of the need to apply integrated approach while implementing the local strategies. As rapporteur for the European Regional Development Fund and the President of the URBAN Intergroup at the European Parliament, I will push ahead the proper consideration of the urban dimension in the European legislation with regard to cohesion policy after 2013” – Jan Olbrycht highlighted during his speeches.
