With programmes like MED’ACT, then MED-PACT and now CIUDAD, the EU is aiming to establish sustainable partnerships between cities and societies in the EU and its neighbourhood, according to the latest Eurojar feature published in the Lebanese daily L’Orient Le Jour.
The article explains that with the end of the MED-PACT programme, funded with €5 million from 2006 to 2009, the EU is launching an extensive new programme, CIUDAD, with a budget of €14 million to build on the achievements of MED-PACT. Both programmes were designed with the aim to complete the actions of a first project called MED'ACT, implemented with a budget of €1 million and which came to an end in 2004.
MED-PACT initially consisted of nine projects, six of which are running until the end of 2010. Nearly 30 Mediterranean partner cities and 25 European cities participated in these projects. This cooperation focused on areas related to sustainable development strategies in urban areas, the establishment of a specific policy for the city and the strengthening of local governance. “Europeans are trying to pass on their own experience with decentralization to developing countries." said Ziad Moussa, in charge of technical assistance for the MED-PACT beneficiaries.
CIUDAD, which includes 21 projects, is also implemented in the EU’s Eastern neighbours. It seeks to strengthen the ties that have been created by MED-PACT. It also allows partnerships between Southern and Eastern countries. CIUDAD also plans to enhance the focus on sustainable development in environmental matters. Overall, the programme is divided into three themes: environmental sustainability and energy efficiency, sustainable economic development and reduction of social disparity, and finally good governance and sustainable urban planning.
Eurojar is one of 13 projects funded across the ENPI under EuropeAid’s €19 million Regional Information and Communication Programme, which seeks to increase awareness and understanding among the citizens of the area, about the EU, its policies and relations with their countries. The Eurojar budget amounts to €1.5 million and the project will last for one year. As well as L’Orient Le Jour, it publishes articles highlighting EU cooperation in Al-Hayat and Le Commerce du Levant, and broadcasts weekly reportages on LBCI and LBCSat.
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Eurojar dossier in L’Orient Le Jour
Regional Information and Communication Programme – fiche 
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EU seeks to establish sustainable partnerships between European cities and neighbours
