POSEIDON fact sheet

A project of INTERREG IIIC EAST

Many larger cities in the EU are facing increasing poverty, crime and social exclusion and are undergoing a progressive reduction of the previously enjoyed social-integrative function of urban neighbourhoods. To address problems that tend to be concentrated in specific neighbourhoods, holistic concepts that are able to address a wide range of inter-linked issues are necessary. The operation "POSEIDON: Partnership on socio-economic and integrated development of deprived neighbourhoods" enables partner areas to systematically exchange experiences on their local neighbourhood management policies and practices and introduce improvements and new approaches.

Overall objective

The overall goal of POSEIDON is to improve social cohesion and overall living conditions, as well as the general image of deprived urban neighbourhoods in the partner areas. Co-operation focuses on three specific themes: (1) contents, instruments and structural patterns of neighbourhood management policies; (2) communication with and consultation of local communities and direct involvement of inhabitants living in deprived urban neighbourhoods; and (3) projects improving the socio-economic situation in deprived neighbourhoods.

Expected achievements

POSEIDON activities will significantly improve theme-specific know-how in neighbourhood management and broaden the scope and improve the quality of related policy actions in its partner areas. Through jointly developed pilots, new approaches will be tested in the partner areas developing or deepening specific topics related to neighbourhood management policies. The pilot measures will address particular needs in the POSEIDON partner areas, such as the establishment of new neighbourhood management units or the improvement of existing ones, measures in the field of community consultation and social conflict management, the stimulation of the local economy and the setting up of local alliances for economy and employment or other socially-driven urban renewal measures.

Partnership

City of Vienna (AT), Partners: Province of Genova (IT), City of Amsterdam (NL), City of Stockholm (SE), Medway Council - North Kent (UK), Haringey Council - London (UK)

Duration: January 2004 - December 2006
Total budget: EUR 2,182,386.00
ERDF: EUR 999,576.00
Lead partner: City of Vienna, Planning Department (MA 50), Muthgasse 62 A-1194 Vienna, Austria

Contacts:

Contact for the Lead partner:
Wolfgang Förster
Phone: +0043-1-4000-74813
E-mail: foe@m50.magwien.gv.at

Contact for project information:
Susanne Peutl
Phone:+0043-1-4055538-16
E-mail: susanne.peutl@wzw.at


INTERREG IIIC East is part of INTERREG IIIC, an EU Community Initiative financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).The programme supports cooperation between public authorities from regions across Europe with the aim of improving regional development.