YES!!! The European Cohesion policy have the priorities in the field of energy efficiency and renewable energy sources. These priorities are already set up and the projects financed from the Structural Funds will have to be in line with these priorities. So, sustainable energy projects will be able to get financing. See all the priorities of the Cohesion policy in the field of sustainable energy in this section.

EU cohesion policy is based on the strategic document called Community Strategic Guidelines.

This document was elaborated by the European Commission and the EU Member States. It contains several priorities concerning environment and sustainable use of energy (go to pages 7-8) that will be supported from the European Funds.

Each Member State should comply with these priorities when preparing its national strategy and operational programmes.

Moreover, the European Commission can advise you how to invest in your city. Here are its main suggestions concerning sustainable energy use:

 Improving the efficiency of public transport – the promotion of energy-efficient vehicles and alternative transport fuels. New projects should form part of an integrated transport strategy for the urban area.

 Promotion of cycling, walking and other alternative and “soft” forms of transport. This includes: demand-side management, regulated access to or even the pedestrianisation of the city’s sensitive zones, the construction of cycle and pedestrian paths, encouragement of energy-efficient vehicles and alternative transport fuels.

 Implementing measures to tackle congestion, better management of transport demand and raise revenues for transport improvement.

 Attractive and sustainable architecture.

 Limiting urban sprawl and suburbanisation as dispersed settlements have a bigger impact on natural habitats and use more resources (e.g. greater energy use to transport goods over longer distances) generating more pollution.

 Increasing energy and water efficiency in housing (in the context of a long term, integrated redevelopment plan for the affected area. This should create the basis for new economic activity or improve the overall environmental quality of the area).

 Investments to achieve compliance with EU laws on air quality, waste-water treatment, waste management, water supply and environmental noise.

 Promotion of energy efficiency in urban planning, municipal regulations and public procurement; by setting an example and encouraging sustainable construction practices by working with citizens.

 Energy efficiency improvements through investments in district heating schemes and promoting renewable energy.

 Organisation of events, e.g. exhibitions, conferences, workshops and thematic seminars/discussions focused on climate change and energy issues and possibilities of cooperation among local actors (businesses, universities, financial institutions, local authority, NGOs, citizens etc).

 Attracting and training “knowledge workers”, specialists in new technologies (such as renewable energy technologies, sustainable architecture, etc).

 Creation of city networks and exchange of experiences (e.g. about sustainable energy projects).