Public spaces: civic participation charter would be a win-win

Since regional authorities are spending EU money to improve public infrastructure, they should have to consult the public …

by Belin Mollov, Bulgaria & Tim Verbist, Belgium

The EU redistributes billions of euros to its regions. Regional authorities can spend a huge proportion of such amounts on investment in public infrastructure, with almost no rules attached. I AM EUROPE proposes that the EU impose a civic participation charter on the regions when they apply for European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) or European Social Fund (ESF) money in the upcoming programming period 2014–2020.

Public spaces include streets, squares, parks, sports and recreation areas, underground spaces such as subways, etc. When designing such spaces, it’s important to carry out a study of the environment, including social, historical, cultural and emotional factors. Public space is the “gateway to the soul of the city” (Sharon Zukin), because the city is a living organism, connecting people with their everyday needs and dreams. This is why it is of utmost importance to include citizens in this process, who are experts on their living environment.

The EU invests a lot of money in public spaces all over Europe. One of the largest funds in the EU budget is the Structural Fund, intended to narrow the development disparities among regions and member states, with a budget of €308.041 billion in the period 2007–2013. There are two main sub-funds: the ERDF and the ESF.

Public funds should mean public involvement

The two funds enable inner-city revitalisation projects, urban renewal, small industrial areas in cities, rural development projects, and so on – without any rule or recommendation on civic participation.  However, since regional decision-makers are using public funds for developing and implementing projects, these should meet the real needs and desires of citizens. Citizens should be engaged in the process from the beginning, at an early stage of the planning process. Providing clear accountability and efficiency in the use of public funds is proven to have a positive impact on the performances of civil activity.

I AM EUROPE proposes that the EU insist that regional authorities ensure, both legally and organisationally, citizen participation in early decision-making on designing, financing, constructing and rehabilitating public spaces. The EU regulations for implementing the Cohesion Policy should also ensure close monitoring of the targeted and efficient use of public funds in the interest of citizens.

Imposing a civic participation charter on the regions would create a win-win situation for the EU and its citizens: the EU would be assured that citizens were aware of its impact on their lives; it would be a concrete instrument for bridging the gap with citizens, and citizens in their turn would feel empowered by Europe because they could join the debate, share their ideas and get heard.

Park SpoorNoord – an example of good practice, where EU money was invested and citizens were strongly involved in the project – is now a favourite hotspot for Antwerp citizens