Urban policy in the European Union : a multi-level gatekeeper system

An examination of the development of urban policy instruments at the level of the EU primarily by the use of Structural Funds under the European Commission's Directorate-General for Regional Policy.

The first section of the work concentrates on how and why the European Commission, with no clear mandate from the Treaties for an urban policy, has ventured into this area.

The second section examines in detail the implementation of one of these instruments in two specific cases: London and Marseille.

This highlights the role of central, and other levels of government, in policy implementation.

The comparison between the cases brings important insights into the differences in local political structures and practices in France and the United Kingdom.

The text seeks to demonstrate in-depth knowledge and analysis of the policy area and relevant theoretical works.

This includes a large volume of published and unpublished materials as well as valuable information obtained through a series of interviews.

The findings have general implications for relations between the Commission and localities, particularly the difficulties of involving ordinary people in European issues.