Urban performance in perspective

Competitiveness and sustainability are the keys to the long term future of the European Union’s economy, creation of wealth and employment opportunities, enhancement of the quality of life of Europe’s citizens, and preservation of the environment and the natural resource base (European Commission, 1997). These keys to Europe’s future can be found particularly in cities and their agglomerations. By the turn of the century, almost half of the world’s population will live in cities (WCED, 1987). At this moment, 80% of all Europeans have their homes in cities (Cavallier, 1998).