qec-eran

QEC-ERAN is a network of EU cities/towns/district councils as well as strategic NGOs, all of whom are connected by being involved in national, regional and EU policies and programmes concerned with Area-based regeneration. Established in 1989 and based in Brussels , it is one of the longest established networks in relation to the theme of urban regeneration and remains committed to being at the leading edge in relation to the changing realities experienced by regeneration areas.


European residents in regeneration network
QeC-ERAN Rue Rue Vieux Marché aux Grains, 48 B-1000 Brussels Belgium Tel: +32 (0)2 524 45 45, Fax: +32 (0)2 524 44 31, E-mail: info@qec.skynet.be www.qec-eran.org	QEC-ERAN is a network of EU cities/towns/district councils as well as strategic NGOs, all of whom are connected by being involved in national, regional and EU policies and programmes concerned with Area-based regeneration. Established in 1989 and based in Brussels , it is one of the longest established networks in relation to the theme of urban regeneration and remains committed to being at the leading edge in relation to the changing realities experienced by regeneration areas. QEC-ERAN's objectives are: Developing programmes/projects which facilitate the exchange of experience and practise between such areas Supporting initiative based on greater participation of targeted groups Promoting joint up working and thinking between local authorities and other key agencies, and in particular local NGOs Undertaking research and evaluation in order to impact on existing and future Urban regeneration policies/programmes Representing the views and needs of such localities within EU institutions and networks Creating a network which constitutes an European “think tank” regarding the issue of diversity, integration, social and economic exclusion and urban regeneration QEC-ERAN has been one of the founding European bodies in relation to the development of area based, integrated approaches to Urban Regeneration. The European Commission has indicated that for the period 2007-2013, such an approach will continue to be key feature of urban policy and programmes. Whilst this is to be welcomed, our experience makes it very evident that we need to support capacity building and empowerment for residents. The commitments to effective participation of residents in area based regeneration programmes has not been very easy to achieve in practice. There are some examples of good practice, but these are over shadowed by tokenistic and poor practice in engaging with residents. One issue that repeatedly comes up in evaluation relating to community participation is the need to build up capacity and empower residents in order that they can engage on at least a better if not equal basis in regeneration partnership arrangements. For this reason, we have decided to create a network to sustain residents' participation in area based regeneration. Citizens' initiatives are developing and represent a new key feature in improving the situation in these areas. Residents' participation contributes to a better understanding and recognition of local problems. This action needs to be support and encouraged. This background context provides the rationale for the creation of this network. The short-term goals of the network will be to: Provide members with an information service which keeps them updated in terms of EU Urban Policy developments and indeed the wider policy context that drives the Lisbon Agenda Provide also information regarding EU funding programmes To undertake a needs and offers analysis of members of the network in order to identify how best to support and empower residents AND identify good practice that can form the basis exchange between groups of residents The medium term and long term goals ( 2007 onwards) is secure funding in order to create an online academy for residents linked to a programme of exchange of experience workshops. Membership is free. If you agree with the need to establish such a capacity building and empowerment then simply send us an e-mail to the address below with the subject heading "European Residents in Regeneration Network". Please include your name, name of your organisation,your contact details and a sentence saying "I would like to join the European Residents in Regeneration Network." We will then contact you and you will start receiving bi-monthly electronic newsletters. E-mail: thodasgarcia@qec.skynet.be

Developing programmes/projects which facilitate the exchange of experience and practise between such areas
Supporting initiative based on greater participation of targeted groups
Promoting joint up working and thinking between local authorities and other key agencies, and in particular local NGOs
Undertaking research and evaluation in order to impact on existing and future Urban regeneration policies/programmes
Representing the views and needs of such localities within EU institutions and networks
Creating a network which constitutes an European “think tank” regarding the issue of diversity, integration, social and economic exclusion and urban regeneration

QEC-ERAN has been one of the founding European bodies in relation to the development of area based, integrated approaches to Urban Regeneration. The European Commission has indicated that for the period 2007-2013, such an approach will continue to be key feature of urban policy and programmes. Whilst this is to be welcomed, our experience makes it very evident that we need to support capacity building and empowerment for residents. The commitments to effective participation of residents in area based regeneration programmes has not been very easy to achieve in practice. There are some examples of good practice, but these are over shadowed by tokenistic and poor practice in engaging with residents. One issue that repeatedly comes up in evaluation relating to community participation is the need to build up capacity and empower residents in order that they can engage on at least a better if not equal basis in regeneration partnership arrangements.

For this reason, we have decided to create a network to sustain residents' participation in area based regeneration. Citizens' initiatives are developing and represent a new key feature in improving the situation in these areas. Residents' participation contributes to a better understanding and recognition of local problems. This action needs to be support and encouraged.

This background context provides the rationale for the creation of this network.

Provide members with an information service which keeps them updated in terms of EU Urban Policy developments and indeed the wider policy context that drives the Lisbon Agenda
Provide also information regarding EU funding programmes
To undertake a needs and offers analysis of members of the network in order to identify how best to support and empower residents AND identify good practice that can form the basis exchange between groups of residents

The medium term and long term goals ( 2007 onwards) is secure funding in order to create an online academy for residents linked to a programme of exchange of experience workshops.

Membership is free. If you agree with the need to establish such a capacity building and empowerment then simply send us an e-mail to the address below with the subject heading "European Residents in Regeneration Network". Please include your name, name of your organisation,your contact details and a sentence saying "I would like to join the European Residents in Regeneration Network." We will then contact you and you will start receiving bi-monthly electronic newsletters.