The Council of Europe attaches great importance to the reinforcement of a cultural concept of habitat, defining the social and democratic purposes which are articulated in the city, and which create favourable conditions for sustainable development. The aim is to concentrate cities' possible political and financial efforts on housing rehabilitation, including all related problems, rather than superficially treating these problems and permitting the premature introduction of tourism.
This book is the first in a series outlining urban rehabilitation policies in Europe.