METROPOLITAN DIMENSION

METROPOLITAN DIMENSION Position Statement CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MASS ACCESSIBILITY CONNECTIVITY VISIBILITY AND INTERNATIONALITY NEW MARKETS EFFICIENT LAND USE AND ENERGY CONSUMPTION SOCIAL INNOVATION AND PARTICIPATION COOPERATION COMPLEMENTARITY IDENTITY METREX THE NETWORK OF EUROPEAN METROPOLITAN REGIONS AND AREAS

Contents Foreword METREX 01 METROPOLITAN regions and areas 01 Definition of terms 03 METROPOLITAN area (Functional Urban Area) METROPOLITAN region (Functional Urban Region) Urban rural partnerships The hinterland 01 Relevance of European goals to METROPOLITAN regions and areas 05 Territorial cohesion 02 EU 2020 agenda on smart, sustainable and inclusive growth 08 Smart growth Sustainable growth Inclusive growth and European solidarity 03 METROPOLITAN key challenges 10 Competiveness and innovation Connectivity and gateway infrastructure Accessibility Urban structure and land use Environmental sustainability Climate change mitigation and adaptation Energy Food and water 04 Governance 11 Elected METROPOLITAN authorities Joint METROPOLITAN bodies Cooperation and collaboration Good METROPOLITAN governance 05 Tools and instruments to realise good governance 13 06 Contributions of METROPOLITAN regions and areas to the EU2020 strategy 14 Creative and innovative mass Accessibility Connectivity Visibility and internationality New markets Efficient land use and energy consumption Social innovation and participation Cooperation Complementarity Identity

Europe s METROPOLITAN regions and areas are the major urban areas on which the future wellbeing and prosperity of Europe depends. The METROPOLITAN DIMENSION reflects the functional realities that need to be recognised to achieve the EU 2020 goals in major urban areas.

METROPOLITAN DIMENSION Position Statement Nicola Schelling President of METREX Foreword METREX is now a long established European Network. Its Members have great experience in addressing many of Europe s most pressing urban issues. This experience leads to the conclusion that most such issues have a METROPOLITAN DIMENSION and that they can be most effectively addressed at the metropolitan level. By metropolitan we mean Europe s major urban areas and their areas of influence. This Position Statement seeks to present the METROPOLITAN DIMENSION to European affairs and to demonstrate its significance. It also presents the metropolitan contribution to Europe 2020 and it guiding principles. Climate protection and adaptation to climate change, demographic development and global competitiveness are challenges all parts of Europe are facing. Different governance approaches have been taken to organize measures to tackle these problems, i.e. the Metropolregions in Germany, the Citta Metropolitana in Italy and others. Their recognition as a necessary and effective level of governance, which does not necessarily need to result in an additional level of administration if it is founded on cooperation and collaboration, is increasing for the entirely practical reasons that they work and are useful. I commend this Position Statement to European bodies and institutions for their consideration. Nicola Schelling President of METREX.

METREX THE NETWORK OF EUROPEAN METROPOLITAN REGIONS AND AREAS METREX METROPOLITAN Regions and areas METREX is the Network of European Metropolitan Regions and Areas founded in 1996, with the support of the European Commission. METREX is an acronym for METROPOLITAN EXCHANGE. The primary purpose of the Network is knowledge transfer between practitioners across Europe and between different levels of public administration (European, National, regional and local) and relevant stakeholders. METREX has Members from some 50 of Europe s major urban areas and their surrounding areas of influence. It is a Network of politicians, officials and their advisers who are dealing with METROPOLITAN affairs in general and are concerned with the territorial dimension of European, National, and regional policies in particular. Flying over Europe makes it clear that the METROPOLITAN reality is one of many large continuous built up areas. Sometimes these are surrounded by a hinterland of smaller towns and villages, sometimes by partly urban/partly rural areas or sometimes by open countryside. About 290 million of Europe s population of 500 million, or 60%, live and work in its 200+ recognised metropolitan regions and areas, or metros*. These areas are the main drivers of innovation, emancipation and economic development in Europe and worldwide. Metros extend across formal boundaries and may also link with neighbouring MRAs. This leads to a high level of interconnectivity and interdependence, both within and, potentially, between metros. For members of METREX, the term METROPOLITAN encapsulates the concepts of the Functional Urban Regions (METROPOLITAN region) and the Functional Urban Area (METROPOLITAN area). * Larger Urban Zones LUZ with populations over 500k, as defined in the Urban Audit and by Eurostat 2009. 01

METREX MEMBERS 2014 Helsinki Oslo / Akershus Stockholm Riga Moscow Glasgow Vilnius Pais-Vasco West Pomerania Szczecin Mazovia Hamburg Amsterdam Rotterdam /den Haag Metropolitan Area Berlin-Brandenburg Wroclaw Central Germany Krakow Brussels Frankfurt R-M Prague Île-de-France Rhein-Neckar Nürnberg Stuttgart Vienna München Zurich Veneto Lombardia Torino Emilia-Romagna Marseille Budapest Oradea Bucharest Sofia Lisbon Porto Madrid Catalunya Napoli Thessaloniki Andalucia Granada Athens 02

DEFINITION OF TERMS Definition of terms METREX understands these terms as follows: METROPOLITAN area (Functional Urban Area) The METROPOLITAN area comprises the area of the daily urban system with clear functional relationships to the core city or cities. A Functional Urban Area refers to a territory that does not necessarily fit historic administrative boundaries and that is generally larger than the continuously built up area, sometimes referred to as Morphological Urban Zone. METROPOLITAN AREA The METROPOLITAN area is often understood to be the labour-market area for core city/cities including a substantial part of the commuting zone(s). METROPOLITAN region (Functional Urban Region) METROPOLITAN REGION The Functional Urban Region includes the core city, or cities, and its wider area of influence, including smaller towns and smaller or larger rural areas. Cohesion based on functional relations between the different types of areas (rural and urban parts) is a main driver for METROPOLITAN regions. METROPOLITAN regions are larger than METROPOLITAN areas and include subregions which may identify with the core city but do not have daily contact or significant /essential shared functions. 03

Urban rural partnerships Urban rural partnerships comprise collaborations of METROPOLITAN regions and areas with rural areas that lie within their boundaries and those outside their boundaries. URBAN/RURAL PARTNERSHIPS These partnerships contribute substantially to European territorial cohesion as they strengthen the interaction between the growth poles of METROPOLITAN areas and the large rural parts of Europe. The hinterland THE HINTERLAND The hinterland is the rural areas (or smaller towns) that have connections to the METROPOLITAN region, or to several regions, but are clearly not part of the Functional Urban Region. They can be partners of the METROPOLITAN region and gain benefit from mutual cooperation and complementarity. 04

01 RELEVANCE OF EUROPEAN GOALS TO METROPOLITAN REGIONS AND AREAS Relevance of European goals to METROPOLITAN regions and areas The European Union (EU) was founded on the basic principles of mutual trust and solidarity. Overarching cohesion goals were restated in 2009 through the Lisbon Treaty. Social, economic and territorial cohesion form the context for almost all EU action. Additionally, the European Council has formulated an Agenda to the Future. The EU 2020* Strategy seeks to keep Europe in the global competition for growth and jobs, bearing in mind the challenges lying ahead of energy security and global climate change, social change and economic transformation. For METREX, EU 2020 goals give strong guidance for policy priorities and directions. Territorial Cohesion is of major importance since strategies related to environmental, social and economic goals often have spatially uneven impacts, both within and between European METROPOLITAN regions and areas. * Now being updated to 2030 Territorial cohesion Territorial Cohesion is a key aspect when dealing with the spatial diversity within and between metros. Territorial Cohesion recognises that there is a geographic dimension to the European goals of socially and economically balanced development. The geographic dimension is significant at the European, National, METROPOLITAN and community levels. Territorial Cohesion recognises the value of polycentric urban structures where these exist, and where locational factors are significant. The diversity of the European territory represents a huge development potential on the one side and the risk of large and increasing imbalances on the other. Therefore, Territorial Cohesion has been added as a basic European goal in the Treaty on European Union (Article 3 TEU). The European Commission uses the European Observation Network for Territorial Development and Cohesion (ESPON) to carry out research on spatially relevant policy and to address the territorial dimension. Other EU programmes such as INTERREG and URBACT also underpin this dimension. In addition other institutions, such as the OECD, carry out research that is targeted at the METROPOLITAN DIMENSION. Recent OECD research relates economic performance and metropolitan governance. This research underlines the importance of the territorial dimension in moving towards greater sustainability and cohesion. 05

Territorial Cohesion is a policy perspective that is relevant for METROPOLITAN regions and areas. Firstly, METROPOLITAN regions and areas are places of great prosperity and economic success. At the same time, and within the same region, they also face large disparities, notably in housing conditions, unemployment and poverty. Secondly, connectivity with other METROPOLITAN regions and areas in Macro regions and large-scale development corridors has become increasingly important for economic success and social wellbeing. Access to infrastructure of all kinds is vitally important for the quality of life of the citizens in Europe s METROPOLITAN regions and areas and their hinterland. Recognising these double disparities within the metropolitan perspective imbalances within the METROPOLITAN regions and imbalances between the European METROPOLITAN regions - is a key issue. Therefore, METREX supports: A territorially differentiated approach when addressing social and economic disparities throughout Europe and within METROPOLITAN regions and areas. Spatial planning as a key process for shaping conditions for place based strategies that take into account locational factors within METROPOLITAN regions and areas and throughout Europe. Information and data to describe and monitor the development of METROPOLITAN regions and areas. 06

Economic significance of Europe s Metropolitan regions and areas The Urban Audit is carried out every three years and identifies Larger Urban Zones (LUZ), which are equivalent to metropolitan regions and areas. There are 306 LUZ with populations over 200k and 227 LUZ with populations over 500k. METREX has always recognised metropolitan regions and areas over 500k as having a METROPOLITAN DIMENSION to their affairs and to the key issues that they have to address. Eurostat data shows that LUZ over 500k contribute some 7.2tn to the EU GDP of 12.5tn, or about 58%. This demonstrates the significance of the METROPOLITAN contribution to Europe s prosperity and well-being. These conclusions are supported by the current EU Consultation paper on the Urban Dimension of EU Policies. 13tn 600m 12tn 100% 12tn 500m 10tn 100% 9tn 400m 8tn 64% 7tn 58% 300m 6tn 64% 58% 5tn 200m 4tn 3tn 100m 2tn 1tn Population m GDP tn LUZ* Headline figures GDP* per capita EU 27 LUZ* < 200k LUZ* < 500k 306 227 499.7m 12.5tn 319.8m 7.9tn 291.8m 7.2tn 24.8k 24.8k Urban Audit Larger Urban Zones LUZ Equivalent to Metropolitan regions and areas or Metros Source Eurostat 2099 and 2010/2011 for 15 LUZ 07

02 EU 2020 STRATEGY ON SMART, SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE GROWTH* EU 2020 strategy on smart, sustainable and inclusive growth The EU targets for the next decade provide an important framework. However, the EU policies do not specifically take METROPOLITAN regions and areas into account. METROPOLITAN regions and areas are the dynamic locations where change can happen on a larger scale and at a more rapid pace. Moreover, some 60% of the European population, or 290 million people, live in these areas. Therefore, METROPOLITAN development will be a determining factor in the economic future of Europe. Addressing the METROPOLITAN DIMENSION will be crucial to achieving the targets of the EU 2020 Agenda. The EU Urban Agenda must take into account the METROPOLITAN DIMENSION when focussing on urban issues. * Now being updated to 2030 Smart growth There is a growing recognition of METROPOLITAN regions and areas as drivers of the European economy and powerful engines for growth and jobs. European policy goals cannot be realised without their active participation since they have a key role to play in addressing global challenges and implementing the Europe 2020 strategy. The objectives set in terms of effective investments in education (at least 40% of 30-34 year-olds completing third level education), research and innovation (3% of the EU s GDP to be invested in R&D) cannot be achieved without the active involvement, commitment and ownership of METROPOLITAN regions and areas. Sustainable growth The Europe 2020 strategy aims to deliver smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. It sets targets towards a longer-term aim of greenhouse gas emission reduction, and includes the goals of economic, social and territorial cohesion in Europe. The dual challenge of stimulating the growth needed to provide jobs and wellbeing to its citizens, and of ensuring that the quality of this growth leads to a sustainable future. METROPOLITAN regions and areas can contribute to EU 2020 through the following actions. METROPOLITAN regions and areas are leading areas of innovation and they can help the whole continent to succeed in tough global competition. 08

Circular economy Using their potential to create mass and agglomeration power to enable business models for intelligent reuse of resources and sustainable (=circular) production activities. Closing the cycles of water, energy (like electricity and heat), food, raw materials (like phosphate) and waste etc. Energy transition Energy saving and efficiencies, renewable energies and decarbonisation through better use of place based strategies by using the specific potential of METROPOLITAN regions and areas.* Sustainable transport The integration of spatial planning and transportation to support mixed use, higher density, public transport related land use patterns and progress innovative approaches like electromobility. Adaptation to climate change Adaptation to heating and cooling in urban spaces. Adaptation through integrated water management at the METROPOLITAN region or area level related to the water catchment area, coastal or river zone management etc. * METREX has demonstrated this potential through the EUCO2 80/50 project and has developed the remac model to quantify the energy saving and renewable energy generation potential of Metropolitan regions and areas. Inclusive growth and European solidarity METROPOLITAN regions and areas face multiple and interrelated internal and external challenges related to economic development and employment, migration and demographic change. These all amplify social problems. The EU 2020 Strategy places strong emphasis on job creation (75% of the 20-64 year-olds to be employed) and poverty reduction (at least 20 million fewer people in or at risk of poverty and social exclusion. METROPOLITAN regions and areas are the front-line managers of social cohesion and cultural integration. METROPOLITAN regions and areas face complex social and economic challenges that cannot be solved by sectoral policies alone. There is a spatial dimension to such challenges that needs to be considered at the METROPOLITAN level. 09

03 METROPOLITAN KEY CHALLENGES METROPOLITAN key challenges There are a number of key challenges that can be addressed most effectively at the METROPOLITAN level. Competitiveness and innovation METROPOLITAN regions and areas function as nodes that are the main drivers of innovation, research and development. Their quality and attractiveness for international know-how and investment is crucial for the successful development of a region as a whole from the core area to the rural hinterland. Connectivity and gateway infrastructure METROPLITAN regions and areas provide access to the trans-european and National transportation and communication networks. They are hubs for the exchange of people, goods, services and knowledge. Social change and integration Significant changes in demographics are affecting most countries in Europe. However, the challenges of social change and social cohesion, as well as international migration, are concentrated in the cities. Solutions must have a METROPOLITAN DIMENSION. Environmental sustainability Environmental protection, the need to safeguard natural resources and recreation zones, is crucial for sustainable development. The balanced use of these resources and development with their capacity for regeneration is essential. Accessibility METROPOLITAN regions and areas provide jobs, services (educational, cultural, medical, administrative etc.) and gateway infrastructure for the population of a large hinterland. Easy access to all these amenities is crucial for economic success as is the environmental quality of the hinterland. Urban structure and land use Urban structure and land use has to meet the demands of a changing economy and population. Integrated urban renewal (of buildings and infrastructure) is equally as important as necessary urban extensions. Climate change - mitigation and adaptation Climate change and the need to mitigate urban greenhouse gas emissions, and adapt to the consequences of global warming, require a METROPOLITAN response. Energy Challenges in the field of energy, including decarbonisation, energy security and stability of supply, also require a METROPOLITAN overview and response. Food and water Sustainable food and water solutions, including security and stability of supply, require a response on a METROPOLITAN scale. 10

04 GOVERNANCE Governance In order to deal effectively with the territorial differences in and between metropolitan regions and areas, to take into account the social, economic and environmental disparities and arising expectations, new governance systems are required. Such governance, which is based on the METROPOLITAN DIMENSION, plays a key role in addressing environmental, social and economic challenges, effectively, at the right scale. The METROPOLITAN DIMENSION gives proportionate administrative strength of governance to the scale and significance of the key strategic challenges that have to be addressed. A METROPOLITAN DIMENSION makes it possible to: Identify key strategic METROPOLITAN challenges and demands, using data at various appropriate territorial and functional scales Identify the relevant powers required to address them, effectively, at suitable levels and territories Foster synergy between powers devolved from above or delegated from below Adapt flexible governance models to constantly evolving political, thematic or physical backgrounds. 11

Different models of METROPOLITAN governance Models of governance in Europe at the moment Elected METROPOLITAN authorities, entrusted with specific (multi-issue or single issue) competences to address particular issues, such as transportation, water or housing (mostly with their own executive organisations). Joint METROPOLITAN bodies with formalised agreements, entrusted with broader local and strategic functions and powers, run by representatives from various levels of government (indirectly elected or appointed), usually avoiding a new government layer. Cooperation and collaboration on a voluntary basis when common support is required, with and without an executive organisation. All types of METROPOLITAN governance in Europe, each adopted to meet specific circumstances, reveal a strong need for recognition of the functional or METROPOLITAN, level. Good METROPOLITAN governance Good, effective, governance requires a favorable democratic and sustainable environment. Otherwise, Europe s metropolitan populations are alienated from the major decisions affecting their future wellbeing, solidarity and prosperity. Appropriately used, the METROPOLITAN DIMENSION provides: Goal oriented involvement of actors, based on consensus and commitment. Agreements on co-responsibility, which can be established on a voluntary basis for common support. A greater for the involvement capacity of the population in joint and civic commitments. Good governance becomes more successful, legitimate and efficient at the METROPOLITAN scale when it is built on collaboration with all stakeholders, including civil society, at every level of decisionmaking and between all decision-making levels. 12

05 TOOLS AND INSTRUMENTS TO REALISE GOOD GOVERNANCE Tools and instruments to realise good governance Sustainable METROPOLITAN development is a complex task, based on in-depth analysis, the participation of citizens, NGOs, stakeholder interests and, finally, political decision making. To bring these aims into effect, when coordinating development, land use and investment in infrastructure, the following resources, instruments and procedures are required. A reliable database for planning, consultation and decision-making at the METROPOLITAN level Formal planning instruments such as Regional, METROPOLITAN and local plans, based on national and regional regulations. These can also be used for effective implementation to support EU goals and to realise appropriate and integrated conditions for EU investment METROPOLITAN programmes to support innovative measures in the public and private sectors, for example, in cluster policy, economic development and innovation policy Strategic METROPOLITAN quadruple helix cooperation with between public authorities and stakeholders, enterprises, universities and citizens. Informal planning instruments such as METROPOLITAN visions and frameworks, development concepts and overall policy concepts European, National and regional support for METROPOLITAN infrastructure 13

06 06 CONTRIBUTIONS OF METROPOLITAN REGIONS AND AREAS TO THE EU2020 STRATEGY Contributions of METROPOLITAN regions and areas to the EU2020 strategy 01 CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MASS 02 ACCESSIBILITY 03 CONNECTIVITY 04 VISIBILITY AND INTERNATIONALITY 05 NEW MARKETS 06 EFFICIENT LAND USE AND ENERGY CONSUMPTION 07 SOCIAL INNOVATION AND PARTICIPATION 08 COOPERATION 09 COMPLEMENTARITY 10 IDENTITY 14

METROPOLITAN regions and areas contribute to the innovation, cohesion and sustainability of Europe. Strategies for a competitive EU should, therefore, make use of the specific strengths and potential that METROPOLITAN regions and areas offer. 01 Creative and innovative Mass METROPOLITAN areas create the critical mass on which to build a knowledge base as the main driver for innovation, wellbeing and competitiveness in Europe. 02 Accessibility Improved access to the gateway functions within the cores of METROPOLITAN regions and areas is essential to support economic development of the region and its hinterland as a whole. Accessibility to infrastructure, including education, cultural, green/blue infrastructure and data infrastructure and sources, contributes to sustainable and inclusive development. 03 Connectivity Connectivity refers to the transportation and telecommunication connections between METROPOLITAN regions and areas, as the main nodes within the European network. This fosters the exchange of know-how and helps to support existing social and economic networks, and to build new ones, in order to foster the creation of new markets and services. A high quality transportation and communications network throughout the whole of Europe is, therefore, crucial. 04 Visibility and internationality Most METROPOLITAN regions and areas are internationally oriented and more visible than other regions from an international perspective. They provide better promotion and cooperation opportunities for enterprises, researchers and skilled labour. 05 New Markets METROPOLITAN regions and areas generate demand for new services and provide new business opportunities. 06 Efficient land use and energy consumption Due to their density and urban form, wellplanned METROPOLITAN regions and areas can have highly efficient urban structures and patterns of land use. The provision of housing, services and employment in relative proximity to one another enables the adoption of convenient and energy efficient transport options. 07 Social innovation and participation METROPOLITAN regions and areas are home to a heterogeneous population. This allows innovative procedures for participation and interaction between the public and private sectors and civil society, referred to as social innovation. 15

08 Cooperation METROPOLITAN regions and areas are active drivers in European co-operation. This ensures the exchange of innovative approaches to planning and governance. 09 Complementarity METROPOLITAN regions and areas support their hinterlands and rural areas by providing opportunities for complementary services and economic activities, for example food, energy and water supplies, leisure and recreation. 10 Identity METROPOLITAN regions and areas can build fresh identities around functional social and economic relationships. METREX recommends the development of the strengths and potential of METROPOLITAN regions and areas for the overall benefit and wellbeing of Europe and its population as a whole. The strength of METREX is its direct contact with practitioners and decision makers in some 50 of the METROPOLITAN regions and areas of Europe. METREX, therefore, is a knowledge resource of exemplars of how to realise the EU2020 goals of territorial, social and economic cohesion. throughout Europe. During the METREX 2014 Autumn conference, good practises from METREX regions will be show-cased. 16

CONTACT DETAILS METREX Secretariat METREX the Network of European Metropolitan Regions and Areas 125 West Regent Street Glasgow G2 2SA Scotland UK t/f. +44 (0)1292 317074 secretariat@eurometrex.org www.eurometrex.org Dr. Nicola Schelling President of METREX Regionaldirektor Verband Region-Stuttgart Kronenstrasse 25 D 70714 Stuttgart Germany t. +49 711 2275910 f. +49 711 2275970 www.region-stuttgart.org August 2014

Metropolitan Area Metropolitan Region Urban/Rural Partnerships the hinterland August 2014