Faced with profound economic change, fallow land, urban sprawl and exclusion, Marseilles has long developed expertise in the field of social cohesion and environmental quality.

Today, it benefits from Europe’s recognition of cities as a driver for sustainable growth. In 2005, Europe decided to lay down new foundations for its competitiveness, improve its growth potential and productivity and strengthen its social cohesion.

Cities, in which over 60% of the European population is concentrated, are central to this new strategic approach, which is aimed at innovation, entrepreneurial spirit and economic growth.

Moreover, transnational territorial cooperation is being continued, in particular with the regions locate at the Union’s foreign borders.

During the 2007-2013 Budget Planning Period, the economic, social, environmental and labour policies will mutually strengthen one another. The Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Region will benefit from a budget of over EUR 521M.

For more information ­
P.A.C.A Regional Prefecture website
Interministerial Delegation on Local Planning and Competitiveness website
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