European Cities and Interconnected World Experiences

Abstract

This final chapter addresses the European urban constellation, a unique polycentric archipelago of large, medium, and small cities, and reviews, in a nutshell, two decades of visions, declarations, and policies for urban sustainability in the European Union. The recognition of the four dimensions of subsidiarity, local, regional, national, and European by the Lisbon treaty highlighted the importance of multilevel governance. Cities have an essential role in the implementation of the strategy Europe 2020 for a smart, sustainable, and inclusive Europe on the ground and the upholding of the European social model, the shared value of social justice and citizenship, human rights, and democracy.

European responses to global urban challenges could inspire world cities, even the small ones like Brussels, but also inspired by cities such as Bangkok, an ama­zing urban laboratory. Strategic partnerships such as the EU–China Partnership on Sustainable Urbanization are crucial in order to share the European experience with China preparing for its urban billion citizens. The US–Brazil Joint Initiative on Urban Sustainability, another exemplary public–private partnership supporting investment in sustainable urban infrastructure, is indicative of cities and citizens working together to illuminate the emerging world of tomorrow.

11.1 Watercolour 11 Delphi: The Oracle of Time

“Life is short, and Art long; the crisis is fleeting; experience perilous, and decision difficult”

Hippocrates