Around 80% of Europeans live in small or large towns and cities, making them a priority for healthy living conditions. Pollution, noise, increasing traffic congestion and many other problems overlap in cities.

The European Commission adopted the “Thematic Strategy on the Urban Environment” in 2006. It aims to improve the quality of life in large cities through an integrated approach to environmental management, including the promotion of sustainable urban development and urban transport. The strategy focuses, among other things, on problems related to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, noise and heavy traffic on arterial roads, urban sprawl and irrational land use, and increasing amounts of waste and wastewater.

The measures proposed under the strategy aim to implement existing EU policies and legislation on urban environmental protection more effectively at local level. They are designed to support local authorities in applying an integrated approach to urban management, and encourage Member States to take advantage of opportunities offered at EU level.

To help implement the strategy, the Cohesion Fund supports investments that will improve the quality of the urban environment. European cities have a range of instruments at their disposal under the cohesion policy. Around 80% of Europeans live in small or large cities, so ensuring healthy living conditions there is a priority. Pollution, noise, increasing traffic congestion and many other problems overlap right in the city.