Welcome on Luden.org
LOCAL URBAN DEVELOPMENT EUROPEAN NETWORK (LUDEN) is a network for mutual co-operation which focuses on major transitions that are taking place across the EU and touch cities, towns and the surrounding country side or what is referred to as “rurban”.
LUDEN has a long experience in local development and especially community led local development. The network came into existence in 1989 as result of an initiative undertaken by 19 local authorities in 8 of the former EU 15 Member States. It was originally called Quartiers-en-Crise and then Quartiers –en Crise: European Regeneration Areas Network.The network played a major role in the development of EU Urban Policy through first the Urban Pilot Projects Programme and then through URBAN I and II.
LUDEN has pioneered the need to move towards new paradigm for local urban development.
LUDEN has developed the new paradigm into a number of key actions which we call the New Municipal Agenda. This has been our input into the ongoing debate regarding the EU Urban Agenda.
Our work is focussed on a number of key transitions.
Our members are mainly from the public and third sectors, however membership is also open private sector (for profit) organisations.
#xxvote
This is the campaign film for #xxvote to get more young women voting in the UK. It was made by young women and was shot and edited in a week which is pretty impressive!
Healthy cities
Living in a city roughly doubles the risk of schizophrenia is one of the conclusions emerging from research relating to mental health and living in cities. Cities fit for people, rather than exhaust pipes; cities where residents are happier, have improved physical and mental wellbeing, sleep better, live longer. In our age of deficit fetishism, the success of a policy is judged by its economic returns, rather than whether it improves the lives of living, breathing human beings. But a new study suggests that cities that invest in encouraging their citizens to be physically active reap both financial and human rewards.
Migration
More than 300 leading migration experts have denounced plans for military action against Libyan smugglers as reminiscent of the actions of countries that enabled the 18th century slave trade. Read more
With economic decay, war, persecution and unemployment gripping at least a dozen countries on Europe’s southern rim, the surge of migration north has overwhelmed authorities in Europe, which has struggled to articulate a single coherent policy and, say critics, played into the hands of unscrupulous people traffickers.
Migration
The Journey: A Syrian refugee sets his sights on Sweden - and freedom
In the darkness far out to sea, Hashem Alsouki can’t see his neighbours but he can hear them scream. It’s partly his fault. They are two African women – perhaps from Somalia, but now is not the time to ask – and Hashem is spreadeagled on top of them. His limbs dig into theirs. They would like him to move, fast, and so would he. But he can’t – several people are sprawled on top of him, and there’s possibly another layer above them.Dozens are crammed into this wooden dinghy. If anyone tries to shift, a smuggler kicks them back into place. They don’t want the crammed boat to overbalance, and then sink.
Inequality
Despite Germany's strong economic performance and low unemployment rate, the percentage of people living below the poverty line continued its steady increase last year, with poverty in urban areas driving the trend.
Demographic ageing
In his book The Pinch, David Willetts, argued that the baby-boomer generation – those born between 1945 and 1965 – had done much better financially than the generations that came before and after. They have enjoyed record rates of home ownership, benefitting hugely from house-price growth that has far outpaced growth in average incomes. Thanks to a welfare state settlement that has worked in their favour, they will draw more out than they paid in. Many have generous defined-benefit pension schemes that have now all but disappeared from the private sector.Crucially, Willetts argued, baby boomers have enjoyed these benefits at the direct expense of younger generations. Spiralling house prices have locked many young people out of home ownership altogether, and it is younger workers who will end up paying for the generous benefits and pensions that baby boomers will be drawing down. Thus The Pinch paves the way for a new discourse about intergenerational conflict.
Re-thinking Democracy
The Podemos revolution: how a small group of radical academics changed European politics
EU Economy
The Greek referendum is a fight between the Greeks and Europe’s cruel capitalism
The reason to watch what’s going on in Greece this week is because a population of 11 million will hold a contest that the rest of us may one day also get to stage: a fight between democracy, and a broken political and economic system.
Youth Unenmployment
The scandal of youth unemployment: The choice of a new generation
Migration
MEPs analyse the EU Commission's migration agenda
Migrant Crisis
10 EU Migrant Crisis Facts
Climate Change
Dire Warning from the IPCC - We are Doomed !
Climate Change
Adapting to Climate Change: An Investigative Report from the BASE Broadcast Studio
Europe’s new Refugees
The crisis has not only created high levels of unemployment, it has also created new migration flows of Europeans within the EU but also to countries linked to “old colonies”. This video provides stories of these new European refugees.
Inequality in Europe
There is a growing body of evidence that is showing that “Social Europe” has failed. Instead the model has created greater inequality across virtually all EU member states. Moreover the weight of the problem is borne by those who are weakest in society. This video from Social Europe highlights the issues.
The scandal of child poverty in Europe
Across Europe, whole families - children, parents and grandparents - find it hard to escape poverty as it is passed on from one generation to another. The ongoing global financial crisis is worsening the problem among children: today, there are 19 million European children living in poverty.
Direct and Representative Democracy
The financial crisis is part of wider political crisis. There is growing alienation from our current systems of representative democracy. Several movements across the EU have promoted direct democracy. This video highlights the link between finance, business and democracy.
Bridging the Health Divide in Europe
There are significant health inequalities throughout the EU. This video presents analysis and suggestions for addressing this important issue.
The fastest ageing city in Europe
Chemnitz is the fastest-ageing city in Europe. One-third of the population of the eastern German city of Chemnitz will soon be over 65 years old. That's a record for a European city. But how is Chemnitz preparing for the future? And what are local politicians, scientists and industry doing to adjust?
Youth Unemployment
Youth Unemployment is a record levels and there is no sign that things are going to get better very soon. European Youth Voice has launched a short video with the views of young people.
Step on the Gas? Shale Gas in Europe
Is Shale gas through fracking the solution for greater energy security and lower emissions? Or is it going to be simply an environmental disaster with quick profits for energy companies? This video produced by the International energy agency sets out the pros and cons.
Social Determinants of Health
There is strong correlation between where you live, your socio economic situation and your health. This is a short lecture that highlights the social determinants of health.