The European Commission presents on the 23rd September 2008 the results of its “health check” on 321 European cities developed during 2006-2007 in 362 cities.

The audit is based on 420,000 pieces of statistical information focussed on the issues of greatest importance today, such as population ageing, immigration, housing and the environment. This vast collection of data on living conditions in cities is a significant resource in the context of the cohesion policy and the European Strategy for Growth and Jobs. Specifically, the new data will make it possible to better target measures and investments in accordance with the needs observed. Cities will also be able to see how they compare with other cities and make improvements in selected areas.

Background

The data presented were collected in 2006 and 2007 and relate to statistics from 2004 covering 362 cities, of which 321 are in the 27 EU Member States and 42 are outside the European Union (Norway, Switzerland, Croatia, Turkey). These cities represent more than 25% of Europe’s population, or 120 million inhabitants. From 2009 onwards, the urban audit will take place each year.
The results underpin the recommendations made by the European Commission in its communication on “Cohesion policy and cities”. Furthermore, the Commission has recently launched a study to examine in closer detail the data that have just been collected and is preparing a second “Report on the state of European cities”, which will be published in September 2009.