The Relationship Between Urban Public Policy and the Design of European Union Institutions: Implications, Tensions, Lessons Learned and the Question of Sovereignty

Abstract

Christian Ilcus

This research examines the interplay between urban public policy and the design of European Union institutions, focusing on the necessity for a cohesive framework to enhance urban governance. It identifies key challenges such as climate change, social inequality, and economic competitiveness, proposing a Composite Urban Governance Index to assess governance capacities across metropolitan regions. The primary aim is to develop a compre-hensive framework for metropolitan governance that aligns with EU objectives, strengthens institutional capacities, and promotes sustainable urban development. The research addresses themes such as the effectiveness of governance systems in urban areas, the involvement of stakeholders in urban policy formulation, and the need to address environmental challenges in metropolitan regions. It also emphasizes the importance of integrating various policy areas for coherent governance and developing metrics for assessing governance capacities across regions. The findings reveal significant gaps between policy formulation and implementation, highlighting the need for improved coordination. The Composite Urban Governance Index effectively measures governance capacity and social inclusion, while participatory mechanisms enhance policy legitimacy. Overall, a structured metropolitan governance framework is essential for addressing urban challenges in the EU. By fostering collaboration and utilizing evidence-based practices, the proposed framework can lead to more inclusive and effective urban development strategies.

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