Doc. 8559

30 September 1999

Improving the appearance of disadvantaged urban areas in Europe

Motion for a recommendation

presented by Mr Toshev and others

    This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and only expresses the views of the members who have signed it

      The Assembly,

1.       Noting that most of Europe’s inhabitants live in towns;

2.       Considering that many of the urban areas described as “disadvantaged” were built according to the principles of efficiency and functionality, with no account being taken of aesthetic considerations;

3.       Noting that the involvement of the local population in programmes to improve the appearance of disadvantaged areas would have positive social effects in terms of fostering democratic citizenship and social cohesion within families, neighbourhoods and communities by eliminating various negative factors such as social isolation and frustration;

4.       Taking account of the part which the electronic media and the press as well as education and teaching can play in achieving this objective;

5.       Drawing on the experience of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe and, in particular, the international conference on “European towns at the dawn of the 21st century” in Plovdiv (1995);

6.       Welcoming the Final Declaration adopted by the Heads of State and Government at the Second Council of Europe Summit (October 1997), in which they expressed support for “the efforts of the Council of Europe and of local, regional and national authorities to improve the quality of life in disadvantaged areas: urban and industrialised.”

      Recommends that the Committee of Ministers draw up a programme aimed at involving the public in improving the appearance of disadvantaged or industrialised urban areas and an action plan for implementing this programme, involving local, regional and central government in the member states, as well as the media and non-governmental organisations.

Signed : 1

Toshev, Bulgaria, EPP/CD

Briane, France, EPP/CD

Chapman, United Kingdom, EDG

Ivanov I., Bulgaria, EPP/CD

Kieres, Poland, EPP/CD

Nastase, Romania, SOC

Palmitjavila Ribo, Andorra, LDR

Pobedinskaya, Russia, EPP/CD

Rise, Norway, EPP/CD

Roseta, Portugal, EPP/CD

Stoyanova, Bulgaria, EPP/CD

Yürür, Turkey, EDG

1        SOC: Socialist Group

      EPP/CD: Group of the European People’s Party

      EDG:European Democratic Group

      LDR : Liberal, Democratic and Reformers’ Group

      UEL : Group of the Unified European Left

      NR : Not registered in a group