The Urban Charter, adopted by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe in 1992, was a ground breaking step for Europe and marked a key stage in the necessary recognition of the urban phenomenon in the development of our societies.Since then, our societies, economies and cultures have undergone far-reaching changes. In a context of rapid change and of massive urban development, towns and cities now face challenges on an unprecedented scale.The European Urban Charter II - Manifesto for a new urbanity, adopted in May 2008, complements and updates the original Congress contribution and offers a new approach to urban living, urging European countries to build sustainable towns and cities.The Manifesto aims to establish a body of common principles and concepts enabling towns and cities and their inhabitants to meet the current challenges facing urban societies. It is an invitation to local authorities, in all their diversity and on the basis of shared European values, to implement the principles of ethical governance, sustainable development and greater solidarity in their public policies.This Manifesto conveys an ambitious and demanding message to all those involved in urban development.
Introduction
Manifesto for a new urbanity - European Urban Charter II (2008)
Preamble
The European urban acquis and the prospect of a new urbanity
Town and city dwellers as urban citizens
Sustainable towns and cities
Cohesive towns and cities
Knowledge-based towns and cities
Conclusion
The European Urban Charter (1992)
The European Declaration of Urban Rights
The European Urban Charter
Background to the Charter
Purpose, philosophy and structure of the Charter
The town in Europe
Principles of the European Urban Charter
