European and international affairs2018 The key to Europe – Municipalities give their backing to Europe 4
Municipal departments pulling together for a united Europe 5
Strategy Urban Agenda for the EU 7
A 23-metre yes to Europe! 8
Position on the future of the European Union 10
Consultations in 2018 12
Municipal development cooperation 14
The 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals 15
Dialogue Europe Day 2018 | Munich’s Europe Weeks 2018 17
News from the Europe Direct Information Centre 18
“1918 | 2018. What is democracy?” 19
European dialogue: “Young in Bavaria – Fit for Europe?” 19
Trade relations and international cooperation 20
Various Voices – 14th European LGBTI* Choir Festival 2018 20
Projects MOBiLus wins EIT Urban Mobility award | Award for Munich 22
LOS_DAMA! | Sustainable traffic and housing development: ASTUS 23
Smarter Together: Sustainable measures to craft the smart neighbourhood of tomorrow 24
CIVITAS ECCENTRIC: Rethinking mobility 26
CIVITAS Handshake | Mobility and traffic in Stockholm and Copenhagen 27
METAMORPHOSIS: Child-friendly mobility | CITIES GROW: Project completed 28
Teaming up for a spirit of creative enterprise – worldwide! 29
Adult education centres’ learning partnership to integrate refugees | Erasmus+ 30
European activities at the vocational schools in Deroystrasse 31
Five years and counting: Barcelona and Munich 31
“USA for you” – Discovering everyday life and voluntary work 32 Educational structures for the integration of new arrivals 32
Amman-Munich exchange programme for school and nursery teachers 33
Pilot project: “Generation Europe – Democracy in Action” 33
A young ambassador for the City of Munich | Anti-Racism Days 34
Work shadowing in the Baladiya project 34
Diversity in action in Munich | Education in Munich – Fit for Munich, fit for the world 35
Refugee-related development work 36
Working together for the climate 38
Cooperation between Munich and Harare 39
Munich-Cape Town climate partnership 40
Emergency relief for climate partners in Peru | Change the Power – (Em)Power to Change 41
Cooperative ventures with twin city Kiev 42
Networks EUROCITIES 2018: Annual Conference 44
Forums and working groups 46
Council of European Municipalities and Regions | Europe and Young People | CEMR conference 51
Munich Declaration by the RGRE 52
Cover: Picture shows the “skyline” of the munich campaign #munich4EUROPE. 4 European and international affairs 2018
The key to Europe – Municipalities give their backing to Europe Clemens Baumgärtner, Head of the City of Munich’s Department of Labor and Economic Development
2018 was the year of the EU citizen. In the period under ding of European values, their role in Europe and the review, the EU’s policy focused on getting its citizens demands they are addressing to the European govern- excited about participating in Europe, on making the ment. European community more tangible, more hands-on. Over 500 million people were involved in the EU’s poli- In 2018, Munich’s own commitment to Europe found tical processes more deeply than ever. Their engage- its expression in an array of projects, campaigns and ment was more in demand than ever before. All activi- events, with the offerings of the city’s Europe Direct ties of the EU are rooted in shared values such as Information Centre attracting special attention. Starting solidarity, gender equality, democracy, human rights, in the year under review, we have also had a young respect for the rule of law and the mitigation of climate ambassador – a student – representing the City of change. Munich in matters pertaining to Europe and flying the flag for the European idea, especially on social networks. In this context, the role played by local governments is invaluable. It is they who, above all, have direct contact The EUROCITIES network initiated the “Cities4Europe – with their citizens. It follows that good European policy Europe for citizens” campaign in which over 90 mem- will always, to a certain extent, be local government ber cities organised more than 200 events. Munich’s policy. This aspect came to the fore with abundant cla- contribution to the campaign is #munich4EUROPE, rity when the delegates to the Council of European whose XXL logo, exciting website and host of events Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) met in Munich in give the city a tangible experience of the European November – a European highlight in the Bavarian capi- idea. It also cultivates awareness of Europe and actively tal in 2018. The gathering’s emphatic commitment to engages people in dialogue towards a democratic Europe, its active involvement in Europe’s ongoing Europe. Dialogue with citizens was also central to the development and the dialogue it facilitates between numerous EU-backed projects which Munich is develo- municipalities and the EU were all channelled into the ping and implementing in conjunction with other cities CEMR’s “Munich Declaration”: a manifesto in which across Europe. cities and municipalities formulated their understan- In the context of development cooperation, too, expert dialogue between municipalities is increasingly being seen as a valuable tool. In 2018, activities to avoid the causes of flight were stepped up in particular, with the aim of enabling municipalities in the countries of origin The City Council Commission on Europe to tackle the relevant challenges and give refugees a perspective for the future in a nearby country. The Tuni- Voting members in 2018: sian town of Kasserine, for example, drew on insights §§Josef Schmid, Deputy Mayor and head of the Department of Labor borrowed from Munich’s civic participation procedures and Economic Development (until October 2018) to redesign a public park. In collaboration with Gharb §§Manuel Pretzl, CSU Irbid in Jordan, measures were development to create §§Dr. Manuela Olhausen, CSU jobs and incomes for locals and Syrian refugees, as §§Ulrike Boesser, SPD well as to improve the municipality’s infrastructure. §§Jens Röver, SPD §§Lydia Dietrich, Die Grünen – rosa liste (until June 2018) In my capacity as head of the department concerned, §§Anja Berger, Die Grünen – rosa liste (from July 2018) this impressive list of European and development §§Gabriele Neff, FDP cooperation activities at municipal level spurs me on to §§Sonja Haider, ÖDP continue and further improve the valuable work we do in these political dimensions. My hope is that Europe The heads of the local government departments and the head will emerge from this year’s elections with renewed of the city's Managerial Board are consultative members. strength and vigour. Because we all stand to benefit. European and international affairs 2018 5
Municipal departments pulling together for a united Europe Henriette Wägerle, Head of the European Affairs Team at the City of Munich's Department of Labor and Economic Development
2018 saw us strengthen our international links to other The numbers behind the Erasmus+ exchange pro- cities. Yet it also saw us intensify our cooperation on gramme are similarly impressive. This programme European and international topics within local govern- sponsors cultural and learning projects within which ment and with our partners in the business and acade- EU funding gives young people and artists an insight mic communities and with the public at large. 2018 into other worlds and other communities. proved to be a very fruitful year: The practice of pooling experience with colleagues in In October, a large majority of the City Council appro- the context of projects bore fruit, too, as did our net- ved an overall strategy entitled “The City of Munich’s working activities: The City of Munich is deeply invol- International Cooperation” and drafted jointly by all ved in the working groups organised by EUROCITIES, municipal departments. One key component of the hosted a meeting of the delegates of the Council of strategy is refugee-related development work. In this European Municipalities and Regions and is committed context, we and our colleagues from the various to a partnership for innovative and responsible public departments drafted a plan of action, successfully procurement. In the latter case, Munich collaborates advised the Tunisian town of Kasserine on options for closely with representatives of the EU, its member sta- civic participation, and examined opportunities for tes and a number of municipalities to design the Euro- cooperation with Jordanian municipalities that have pean procurement laws of the future. Not a single one taken in large numbers of Syrian refugees. of Munich’s local government departments has no European involvement – a fact which itself bears The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) defined weighty testimony to the Bavarian capital’s position on in the UN’s 2030 Agenda command top priority in our the future of Europe. international cooperation activities. As part of our climate partnerships with Cape Town and Harare, we thus developed measures to deliver energy-efficient power supply and climate-friendly mobility. The City Council Commission At European conferences, we were able to share the initial findings of major urban development projects in on Municipal Development Munich such as Smarter Together, CIVITAS ECCEN- TRIC and LOS_DAMA! Cooperation
The Federal Ministry of the Interior presented the Bavarian capital with the “Successfully connected in Voting members in 2018: Europe” award for its commitment to Europe. Mean- §§Josef Schmid, Deputy Mayor and head of the while, the pan-European MOBiLus consortium, of Department of Labor and Economic Development which Munich is a part, was picked as the winner for (until October 2018) the new Urban Mobility innovation community and will §§Beatrix Burkhardt, CSU receive around EUR 400 million over the next seven §§Dr. Manuela Olhausen, CSU years. §§Ulrike Grimm, CSU §§Dr. Constanze Söllner-Schaar, SPD §§Ulrike Boesser, SPD §§Hep Monatzeder, Die Grünen – rosa liste (until October 2018) §§Gabriele Neff, FDP §§Brigitte Wolf, Die Linke There are three consultative members: Gabriele Köhler, Eva-Maria Heerde-Hinojosa and Heinz Schulze.
European and international affairs 2018 7
Urban Agenda for the EU
Munich is a partner for Sometimes, the public procurement innovative and responsible of innovations is necessary as a procurement. way to accommodate rising demand and/or new expectations that could not be satisfied by solutions availa- ble on the market. Given the sheer Modern cities are drivers of both economic weight of public procure- innovation and economic develop- ment in the EU (around EUR 2 tril- ment. Yet they are also the arena in lion, or 14% of the EU’s GDP), pro- which many 21st-century challen- moting innovation via this channel ges are being played out. In 2016, can be a powerful driving force for the Urban Agenda for the EU crea- innovation on a wider scale. ted a new working method to mas- ter these challenges – and to make Working group headed by the The working group aims to supply optimal use of cities’ growth poten- City of Munich front-line procurement staff across tial. Fourteen thematic partnerships Under Munich’s leadership, one of European municipalities with practi- have since been set up to tackle the partnership’s working groups is cal knowledge and guidance in issues of central importance to the putting together a practitioners’ order to reduce uncertainty, put the development of urban spaces. guide to the legal aspects of procu- perception of complexity in per- Experts from European cities, mem- ring innovative products and servi- spective and thus take away some ber states and the European Com- ces. The guide’s content will go into of the fear of committing to innova- mission will devote three years to the details of the innovation-friendly tive procurement. Why is this close collaboration in each of these regulations enshrined in European necessary? Because a study of the partnerships. Together, they will procurement law, including market cities represented in the partnership seek to live out the Urban Agenda consultations, negotiating procedu- found that innovative procurement by finding and implementing wor- res, competitive dialogue and the has so far played a very minor role kable solutions in the areas of EU newly created innovation partner- among public-sector customers in law, finance and knowledge sharing. ship, for example. Adjacent areas of Europe. In principle, many cities are law such as intellectual property keen to rise to greater challenges Procuring innovation rights and European state aid rules and inject a strategic element into The City of Munich is involved in are also discussed. Flowcharts, the practice of procuring goods and the partnership for innovative and checklists and in-depth explana- services. In reality, however, they responsible public procurement. tions ensure that the guide will be regard the necessary procurement In areas from sensor-controlled easy to use in everyday procure- process as uncertain, complex and, lamp posts to platform-based and ment practice. The guide will be hence, risky. Above all, a lack of efficient vehicle park management, available at the end of 2019, when experience in dealing with procure- from digital learning resources for the partnership completes its three- ment tools that promote innovation schools to better medical products year stint. presents an obstacle to the procu- in municipal hospitals: Procurement rement of innovations. The practiti- strategies that promote innovation oners’ guide is intended to counter- enable local governments to pro- act this uncertainty and risk vide new services that add value aversion. and are more efficient – services that yield benefits for the environ- ment, society and the people who use them, and that also open up new business opportunities for the corporate community. A 23-metre yes to Europe!
The City of Munich is standing the “Europa Skyline” spent eight involved. The invitation was exten- up for Europe. With an eye to weeks at each of four venues: in ded not only to the people of the forthcoming European the Olympic Park, in the Bavaria- Munich, but also to members of elections in May 2019, Deputy park, on St.-Martins-Platz in Munich’s Pro-European Network, Mayor Josef Schmid launched Moosach and at Gasteig. Clearly other partners of the European a large-scale #munich4EUROPE visible from some distance as a movement, representatives of the initiative in July 2018. symbol of Europe, the sculpture political community and the local invites passers-by to take selfies in and national press. front of the larger-than-life letters Since then, the initiative has been and then post their snapshots with The munich4europe.de website making the European idea more the hashtag #munich4EUROPE. pooled all relevant information hands-on all over Munich. Its objec- Many local residents, but also about the pro-Europe campaign tive is to cultivate an awareness of numerous European guests and and the venues of the sculpture. the EU and involve people in dia- tourists from around the world have It also hosted an online blog and logue about a democratic Europe. accepted the invitation and enthusi- details of events relating to “Europe astically shared their backing for in Munich”. A specially devised The campaign centres around a Europe in social media. Europe quiz with a raffle and attrac- sculpture in the form of a monu- tive prizes provided an added mental written logo known as the At each of the four venues, the incentive for people to get to grips #munich4EUROPE “skyline”. The #munich4EUROPE campaign was with the future of Europe. The cam- symbol travels from place to place, accompanied by a colourful pro- paign itself and a well-designed seeking to foster dialogue about the gramme of music, debates and strategy also beat the social media benefits of the European idea and things to do, rounded off by in- drum, encouraging people to vote a convergent European community. depth information, opportunities for at the European elections. Regular On its tour of the Bavarian capital, discussions and a chance to get posts with high-quality content on European and international affairs 2018 9
Facebook and Instagram promoted More information interaction with local residents and nurtured a vibrant and growing community of fans and followers. Munich’s European activities, useful information, details of The campaign will peak to coincide events, a competition with prizes with the European Weeks and and much, much more is pooled Munich’s Europe Day 2019, with at the campaign website under the Skyline arriving on the Marien- munich4europe.de platz right on cue on May 9, 2019. Backed by an array of fascinating highlights, this pivotal event in the heart of Munich seeks to discuss European politics with a broad spread of actors and encourage locals to go to the polls. Position on the future of the European Union
Munich’s local government plays an active role On October 24, 2018, Munich City ning of the processes of EU policy in the ongoing development of a united Europe. Council was finally able to ratify the development and EU legislation. The city therefore prepared a position paper in city’s position paper on the “White response to what is known as the “White paper paper on the future of Europe”. The paper asserts that the principle on the future of Europe”, thereby making a con of subsidiarity must remain a main- structive contribution to plotting the way ahead Munich’s position stay of Europe as the EU moves for Europe. The scenario entitled “A Europe of Munich’s position focuses on a forwards, because subsidiarity pro- Cities – Cities for Europe” describes how Munich number of topics of relevance to motes a stable and more united believes a Europe of cities can evolve and take local government. These include Europe. At the same time, Munich shape in the years ahead. social justice, urban development, calls for the continual expansion of education and qualifications, demo- opportunities for pan-European graphic changes and work/life cooperation between authorities balance, the environment, energy and administrations in order to find and climate policy, healthcare, common solutions to the challen- urban safety, digitisation, the EU’s ges of the present and the future, funding policy, civic participation many of which can only be resolved and communication. by a cross-border approach. While In 2017, EU Commission President recognising the Urban Agenda for Jean-Claude Juncker unveiled In its position paper, the City of the EU (in which Munich is an a “White paper on the future of Munich gives its unequivocal active participant) and the Covenant Europe” whose five scenarios backing to a united Europe. In of Mayors as very welcome approa- sparked off a broad-based public doing so, it stresses the role of ches, it believes that, under the lea- debate about the future of the EU. cities and municipalities, noting dership of the EU Commission, they In the Bavarian capital, the discus- that Europe begins where citizens must be brought together with sion began with a network meeting and politics are closest together. other strategic initiatives. What is of Munich-based European actors Cities play a key role in many areas. needed is an EU framework which in November 2017. City councillors They are potent players in efforts tears down barriers, which supports and locally based EU actors joined to resolve pressing issues. Accor- knowledge sharing and the build-up schoolchildren in round-table set- dingly, Munich appeals to the Euro- of capacity, and which establishes tings to talk about the future of the pean Union to respect the impor- cooperation between all areas while European Union from a local tance of cities and municipalities simultaneously respecting and government perspective. Experts in its actions, to strengthen their upholding local diversity. from the individual departments of rights of participation and, together Munich’s municipal apparatus then with them, to shape the future of Munich’s position states the need outlined the challenges facing the Europe. It argues that cities and for fewer but more comprehensive City of Munich. Structured dialogue municipalities must be given both EU programmes, as well as a sepa- sessions enabled local residents formal and effective channels via rate and well-endowed EU budget representing civic society to play an which to contribute their experience for urban challenges. The EU of the active part in the debates. and proposals right from the begin- future, it notes, must concentrate European and international affairs 2018 11
Successful EU lobbying activities
The City of Munich is ped regions, too, face serious actively involved in the challenges: the digital transfor- debate surrounding the mation, for example, the tasks EU’s structural and invest- of inclusion and integration, and ment policy 2021 – 2027. the need for climate-friendly life- styles. In spring 2018, Munich’s 2018 was a landmark year for considerations were contributed the European Union: Within a to the process of debate in the year, Brexit will for the first time form of a position paper and see a member leave the EU. The active participation in a wide- symbolic significance of this ranging package of consulta- step is enormous; only time will tions on various EU funding pro- tell how the other EU countries grams. deal with it. Ideally, the EU27 will close ranks more tightly as The draft budget presented in a result. One thing which is 2018 aligned with key demands clear is that the departure of aired by the City of Munich. Britain, a net contributor, will Structural fund assistance will leave an up to EUR 13 billion indeed remain open to all regi- hole in the EU’s annual budget. ons, special provision is to be made for cities, it will be possi- more strongly on solutions that are Nervous anticipation thus awai- ble to combine various pro- important to its citizens. To do so, it ted the European Commission’s grammes, and grant support must effectively tackle common draft budget for the next fun- will be retained. The Multiannual challenges. More money should be ding period, from 2021 – 2027. Financial Framework is currently given to successful existing pro- Right until the last minute, it being hammered out in tria- grammes, and special attention remained unclear whether, for logue negotiations between the should be devoted to promoting example, structural fund aid European Commission, Parlia- encounters with young people and would still be open to all regions ment and Council. The Commis- disseminating information about of Europe, or whether grants sion wants agreement to be Europe via the education systems. will still be made available in reached in time for the Euro- Local public services are one future in place of pure loans. pean elections in spring 2019. In important element of social cohe- The City of Munich argued 2019/2020, Munich will focus on sion in Europe, and must therefore forcefully for both aspects in accompanying the design of the be given greater protection by the advance of the budget. To subs- operational programmes (e.g. European Union in the future. tantiate its position on receiving the European Regional Develop- aid, the Bavarian capital empha- ment Fund in Bavaria). In the context of urban lobbying sised that more highly develo- activities, Munich’s position has been communicated to all relevant EU institutions and actors to ensure that the voice of the Bavarian capi- tal is heard in the debate about the future of the EU. The position paper explicitly invites readers to continue Ein Europa der Städte – and deepen the discussion about Städte für Europa the role of cities in the future of the EU.
More information on the City of Munich’s position paper: Position der Landeshauptstadt München zum Weißbuch zur muenchen.de/europa Zukunft der Europäischen Union 12 European and international affairs 2018
Consultations in 2018
In the year under review, the EU Commission once again quizzed the public at large on its new political initiatives and the revision of existing legal provisions. As ever, Munich’s local government played a part in this opinion building process, contributing to discussion of the Multiannual Financial Framework and to three additional consultations.
In 2018, the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF; for the period after 2020) was the dominant theme as far as the EU Commission was concerned. To be able to assess which funding programmes and measures have been effective and what changes need to be made to EU funding in the future, the EU Com- local government stressed that the principle of propor- mission questioned a variety of stakeholders about tionality must be upheld on every level of structural their experience with EU funds. What priorities were to fund assistance while keeping administrative overheads be defined going forward? And what could be done as low as possible. to ensure that concrete results are achieved wherever possible? The City of Munich aired its positions with Innovation great clarity in a raft of consultation proceedings. The EU has developed a whole series of instruments to stimulate investment and entrepreneurial activity with Values and mobility a view to driving growth and creating jobs. The City of The EU consultation on funding relating to values and Munich has positive experience above all with the EU’s mobility focused on areas such as programmes and Horizon 2020 funding programme and the European measures to protect and promote European values, Structural and Investment Fund. These programmes general and vocational education, cultural diversity, promote the sharing of knowledge and experience fundamental rights, a European judicial area, digital throughout Europe. Horizon 2020 amplifies synergies, skills and creativity. Munich has gathered experience in fosters dialogue and nurtures innovative topics at an particular with the programmes Erasmus+, Creative international level, as well as encouraging the introduc- Europe and Europe for Citizens. The view in the Bava- tion of European standards. Munich nevertheless made rian capital is that funding programmes add value numerous suggestions for improvement: First and fore- firstly by promoting both individual transnational mobi- most, there is room for improvement in the payout lity and transnational cooperation via the different fun- options for EU funds. More personnel are also needed ding channels. Secondly, experience and learning is at the Innovation and Networks Executive Agency shared in the context of transnational projects in a way (INEA) to facilitate faster, more regular contact bet- that otherwise would simply not happen in this multi- ween cities and the EU as equals. More generally, national form. Regarding the funding programmes, Munich appealed for a clearer presentation of the diffe- Munich expressed the following demands: the large rent ideas, opportunities, challenges and objectives number of application variants should be slimmed addressed by the EU programmes. down in the interests of transparency; application forms should be simplified; and direct communication Migration between the EU, its agencies and applicants should be The Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) – improved. The city’s local government also proposed the EU’s most important tool for financial support in that municipalities be involved in the procurement and the field of migration – formed the focal point of this validation of smaller actors. consultation. Munich believes that this fund adds extra benefits on top of what member states can achieve at EU structural and investment policy the national, regional and local levels. This is because The City of Munich argued that the basic tenets of the AMIF assistance allows innovative approaches to inte- EU structural and investment policy should be retained gration and reintegration to be tried out , while dia- in the next funding period, with adequate resources logue on the issues involved is also encouraged. One channelled into the Multiannual Financial Framework. concrete example is the AMIF project “Coming Home”, Furthermore, support should be provided to all regions which promotes voluntary repatriation and reintegra- of Europe as the more well developed regions, too, tion. The EU project plays a part in raising awareness face major challenges. Munich’s view is that aid from of the subject of voluntary repatriation and establishing the structural fund should make special provision for quality standards for advice on repatriation. Since both cities in particular: It is here that the challenges to repatriation and reintegration have gained in impor- urban spaces are most pressing. At the same time, tance, the money channelled into this project should be cities’ density and economic potency give them subs- adjusted accordingly in the coming funding period to tantial potential to try out new approaches and develop ensure that repatriation projects receive better finan- solutions. In its contribution to the debate, Munich’s cing. European and international affairs 2018 13
to improve reporting on the findings of consultations. Whenever a consultation is concluded, a summary report of the key findings should always be published in short order. In Munich’s opinion, the Commission should also explain more clearly what it intends to do with the findings and how they will be factored into the ongoing process.
Evaluation of the EU’s strategy to adapt Strategy for the long-term reduction to climate change of greenhouse gas emissions in the EU The European Commission wants all EU member sta- The EU plans to submit a proposal for a strategy targe- tes to come up with plans to master the unavoidable ting the long-term reduction of greenhouse gas emissi- consequences of climate change. To evaluate this stra- ons in the EU in line with the Paris Agreement. To tegy, the Commission asked various stakeholders to implement this Agreement, it is imperative to transition report on their experience and submit proposals. In its to a world economy that is carbon-neutral in the reply, the City of Munich agreed that adaptation mea- second half of this century. The long-term strategy will sures are necessary at every level of public administra- spell out and explain the EU’s vision for the realisation tion and that the EU must provide more support to the of these goals by the middle of the century. Munich’s member states. In the future, the EU’s strategy must local government has responded to the plans of the strive to close knowledge gaps in the area of adapta- European Commission and voiced the demand that, by tion and improve the way information is shared across 2050, greenhouse gas emissions in the EU be slashed Europe. Going forward, the strategy must also be alig- by 80 to 95 percent compared to 1990 levels. Munich ned with international developments such as the Paris cites the resolution of focused measures in the relevant Agreement. political bodies as a challenge to successful implemen- tation. Taking stock of the Commission’s concept of “better regulation” In Munich’s view, the one aspect of everyday life that The European Commission has undertaken to play will change most radically if climate policy goals are to “a bigger role on big things”, but also to play a more be reached is mobility. Important steps to curb emissi- modest role in areas where the activities of the EU do ons include improving the energy efficiency of buil- not add value. One contribution to this goal is the dings, generating electricity from renewable sources Commission’s agenda for “better regulation”, which and increasing recycling and reuse rates, but also rests on three pillars: the involvement of stakeholders, making better use of public means of transport. The an assessment of existing bodies of EU law, and an Bavarian capital sees the transition to low carbon emis- evaluation of whether new proposals would efficiently sions as an opportunity. It sees a CO2 tax, an effective achieve their political objectives. The Bavarian capital emissions trading system, the promotion and stronger has made its position clear in the corresponding con- development of e‑mobility and renewable energy, the sultation. Munich believes that greater provision must decarbonisation of heating systems in particular, and be made for the impact on the regional and municipal the setting of energy and sustainability goals for com- levels in efforts to improve the EU’s regulations. If panies as possible actions to establish a low-carbon, regulations are genuinely to be improved, they should climate-resilient economy. Lastly, Munich’s position on help ease the burden on and simplify the administrative this issue stresses the key role played by cities and processes of cities and municipalities, it argues. municipalities in putting the low-carbon economy tar- Munich is broadly satisfied with consultations as a use- geted by the EU into practice – pointing, for example, ful instrument. Notwithstanding, it would be important to its own efforts to promote e‑mobility. Municipal development cooperation
Key goals of the 2030 Agenda, the programme advisory council, management – is much in demand such as fighting poverty and where it has been able to voice and in the international arena. Several reducing consumption of natu- assert important municipal con- future forums drafted ideas and ral resources, can be achieved cerns and demands. suggestions for further advances in only if municipalities actively municipal development policy, for engage with them. That exp- Engagement Global hosted the example in relation to job creation lains why processes of political 14th national conference on munici- programmes, the digital transfor- decentralisation and activities at pal development policy in Lübeck mation and fair procurement. In the the municipal level have today from June 6 – 8, 2018. The more closing debate, Dr. Doris Witteler- become a strong focus of deve- than 400 delegates in attendance Stiepelmann, speaking on behalf of lopment policy. testified to the growing importance the Federal Ministry for Economic attached to this discipline. One key Cooperation and Development, theme of the conference was how emphasised her ministry’s keen to anchor the 2030 Agenda in interest in municipal involvement: Germany’s Federal Ministry for Eco- municipal partnerships. The gathe- “The current minister, Dr. Gerd nomic Cooperation and Develop- ring discussed the potential that Müller, sees it as his job to work ment (BMZ) welcomes the growing people with a migration back- with local governments to build a involvement of local governments ground who live in Germany can new pillar of development policy,” and is now promoting it with a bring to development cooperation. she said. “This subject is increasin- separate rubric in the budget. The It also addressed the involvement gly gaining traction as the realisa- funds channelled into this rubric of municipal companies, whose tion grows that municipalities play have increased substantially in the expertise – especially in technical an important part in global issues.” past six years, from EUR 4.5 million areas such as water and waste to EUR 25 million. Meanwhile, the number of German cities and muni- cipalities which engage in develop- ment policy has risen to 750. The ministry’s implementation agency “Engagement Global” oversees the development programmes, provi- des advice, forges networks bet- ween active cities and is thus also a significant partner to Munich’s commitments in this area. To tailor support to exactly what is needed, representatives of local government play a part in programme design. The Department of Labor and Eco- nomic Development’s European Affairs/International Cooperation Team, for example, has a seat on European and international affairs 2018 15
The 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals
The UN’s 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals have staked out an important framework for the actions of the City of Munich.
The 2030 Agenda is a global plan of action for sustain the Council then commissioned local government to able development. In both the northern and southern draft a concept for an ESD plan of action in Munich hemispheres, it calls for a change of mindset – and for by 2022. concrete activities. Today, all political levels have mobi- lised their efforts to implement the Agenda’s Sustaina- Outlook ble Development Goals (SDGs). Germany’s local govern The roadmap for 2019 has already been laid out: At a ment associations conducted a study to identify which further hearing, the City Council wants to find out of the 17 SDGs and 169 targets are of relevance to the about the practical experience of other local authorities country’s municipalities. In 2016, Munich explicitly sta- in implementing the SDGs and in dovetailing municipal ted its support for the SDGs and declared its hands-on activities with federal government’s national sustaina- commitment to sustainable development. In many bility strategy. The Department for Health and Environ- ment will update the sustainability report for the whole of local government with due production for the SDGs and will adapt its environmental funding programme accordingly. It is pleasing to note that a broad-based initiative to implement the SDGs – the Munich Sustai- nability Initiative (MIN) – has also sprung up in civic society. Bringing together over 40 civic society organi- sations covering the entire spectrum of sustainable development, this initiative will stage Munich’s first sustainability congress on February 4, 2019, creating a forum for dialogue between civic society, academe, the business community, politics and local government.
areas, the city is already making major contributions to implementation of the SDGs. Examples include climate change mitigation, promoting the fair trading of regio- nal products, educational work and municipal develop- ment cooperation. In 2018, several pivotal resolutions were passed that paved the way for the SDGs to be anchored in the city’s administrative structures.
Charting a course for sustainable development In October, the City Council resolved to continue the urban development programme known as PERSPEC- TIVE MUNICH as of 2019. The Council’s aim is to res- pond to population growth and social changes such as digitisation, but also to incorporate the development goals enshrined in the 2030 Agenda in the PERSPEC- TIVE guidelines. Education for sustainable develop- ment plays a key role in achieving the SDGs. It teaches the skills needed to get our society in shape for the future. The future design of education for sustainable development (ESD) in Munich was therefore discussed at a City Council hearing in September. In November,
European and international affairs 2018 17
Europe Day 2018
Munich hosted its first ever “Europe Weeks” pro- liament and the Europa-Union Munich group. The gramme from May 2 – 16 in the year under review. Bavarian Centre for Political Education supported the The undisputed highlight was May 9, when the “Europe in Motion” campaign. Munich’s city magazine City of Munich and its partners celebrated the MucBook and daily newspaper Abendzeitung Mün- anniversary of the founding of the EU with a chen likewise took part in the Europe Day celebrations series of events and activities that showcased the and organised the campaign “Europe! Less walls – rich diversity of Europe in the Bavarian capital. more togetherness”. For families with children, the team from Bambini-Events led the “Europe Day On May 9, Munich celebrated the anniversary of the Games” activities. speech that marked the founding of the European Community. Delivered by then French Foreign Minister Robert Schumann on May 9, 1950, the “Schuman Declaration” became the cornerstone of what is today Munich’s Europe Weeks 2018 the European Union. Deputy Mayor Josef Schmid wel- comed thousands of Europe fans and opened a varied pogramme of politics, culture and entertainment on the Marienplatz. The excitement reached fever pitch when, here on the city’s central square, “walls” came tumb- ling down as the audience joined in a campaign entitled “Europe! Less walls – more togetherness”.
European dances and acrobatic performances by pupils of the European school made for a well-rounded programme, alongside political debates. For the latter, separate ports of call were set up all over the Marien- platz for anyone interested in the EU and keen to engage in discussion. The information stands were staffed by experts who fielded questions about EU- The year under review saw Munich host its first round related topics. In addition, the “Market of Opportuni- of Europe Weeks. Following an opening event on the ties” allowed the public to pose questions to represen- Marienplatz with the brass music class of the Thomas tatives of the European Parliament, the European Mann School, more than 40 separate events show- Commission and the Europe Direct Information Centre cased the diversity of European topics and culture in in Munich. Staff of the Department of Education and Munich from May 2 – 16. Around 60 institutions and Sports, the International Educational Cooperation unit, associations took part with their own contributions and the civil interest group Europa-Union Munich, the Euro- activities. Overall, the programme targeted people of pean Movement and the Pan-European Youth organisa- all ages with an interest in politics and culture. tion were likewise on hand to answer questions. As a backdrop to these activities, a big-screen LED on the The Munich Europe Weeks came as a visible signal Marienplatz beamed video messages from “Stars for that Munich is a European city which lives out the Europe”. Just around the corner at the Viktualienmarkt European idea. Deputy Mayor Josef Schmid had this to food market, a Europe stand set up by Munich’s mar- say: “Today, it is more important than ever to highlight ket halls presented the campaign “Experience Your the achievements of Europe and stress the importance Weekly Market in 2018”. The big day came to an end of cohesion within the European Union.” A new series with live music from Ecco DiLorenzo and his Innersoul. of fascinating events will be presented at the 2019 The event was organised by the City of Munich in Europe Weeks. Details are available here: cooperation with the European Commission’s Munich muenchen.de/europa-wochen representation, the Liaison Office of the European Par In cooperation with the libraries in Giesing, Moosach and Pasing, the subject of “alternative residential and mobility concepts in and around Munich” – the focus of the EU’s ASTUS project – was tackled in each of these urban districts. Munich is particularly short on housing, which means that a lot of locals use their car to travel the often considerable distance to work. The project is therefore tes- ting alternative housing concepts with a view to more ecofriendly changes.
New European films were shown on a total of six evenings at the News from the Europe “Kino Europe” (“Cinema Europe”) event in Gasteig. The series show- Direct Information Centre cased the diversity and quality of European film-making, made possi- ble by long-standing European sub- sidies. The selection presented included films which were soon to Is Germany really the biggest how strong Franco-German coope- debut on the big screen, such as net contributor to the EU? ration is in Europe 55 years on from Jan Speckenbach’s “Freedom”, as (No, it actually ranks third the Élysée Treaty, and what reforms well as movies that can otherwise or fourth, depending on the the two nations can trigger and only be seen at festivals, like year.) And what will Brexit implement at the European level. “Requiem for Mrs. J.” by Bojan mean for the 27 other EU The invited panel members – Hans Vuletić. Accompanied by film deba- members? What European Stark from the French Institute tes and organised in collaboration projects are happening in of International Relations, Ullrich with the Creative Europe Desk Munich? The answer to the Fichtner, correspondent for the Munich, the liaison office between last question is: A lot – far news periodical “Der Spiegel” in the European Parliament in Munich more than this annual report Paris, and Pierre Robion from and the Petra Kelly Foundation, the alone can cover. France’s Consulate-General – film series now has an established agreed that neither Germany nor audience of regulars. France has any other partner in Through its programme of events Europe of comparable strength. and information offerings, the Other topics on the agenda inclu- Europe Direct Information Centre ded relations between the EU and provides answers to all these ques- Russia on the one hand and the tions and more. The overriding goal EU and the USA on the other. Third term for the Europe is always to give residents of Munich a deeper insight into the A three-part series on “Migration Direct Information Centre issues that are currently being and the EU” at Munich’s adult edu- debated across the continent. At cation centre (“Volkshochschule”) the same time, visitors are wel- involving Gerald Knaus (European For the third time since 2009, the City of Munich come to ask their own questions Stability Initiative) and Martin has successfully applied to the EU Commission to and express their own opinions. Schieffer (EU Commission) exami- host a Europe Direct Information Centre. This time, Since representatives of the EU ned the current status of and possi- the newly designed tender is accompanied by Commission and members of the ble future developments in Europe’s higher subsidies. From 2018 – 2020, residents of European Parliament often attend migration and asylum policy in the Munich will thus continue to have access to the events held here, Munich’s voice is run-up to the meeting of the Euro- broad spectrum of offerings available at the Infor- also heard in Brussels. The findings pean Council at the end of June, mation Centre, headquartered at City Library in of a civic dialogue session in April which charted the future course of Gasteig. These offerings include in-depth informa- likewise found their way into migration. tion about topical European issues (both online and Munich’s position paper on the in a printed form to take out), an extensive pro- future of Europe. Within the frame- gramme of events on social policy and cultural work of the Europe Forum, for topics, training courses, workshops and Europe example, panel discussions asked rallies for schoolchildren. European and international affairs 2018 19
“1918 | 2018. “Young in Bavaria – Fit for Europe?” What is democracy?” On March 5, youngsters and of a pan-European Structured In Munich, the programme young adults aged from 13 Dialogue campaign. “1918 | 2018. What is democracy?” to 30 flocked from various commemorated the bloodless parts of Bavaria and different Structured Dialogues are an inst- revolution of November 7, 1918, backgrounds to spend a day rument of the EU’s youth strat- in which Bavaria ushered in debating European matters egy designed to encourage youth democracy for the first time. in the Old City Hall. participation and constant dia- logue between young people and Born of their discussions with the political realm. Across all 28 In the period following the First World members of the Munich City EU member states, young Euro- War, the road to democracy was in Council and the Bavarian Parlia- peans contributed their own many countries a distinctly hazardous ment, the participants penned views and opinions and dis- one. Events in Munich stand out as an a joint position paper. Entitled cussed questions about the example of what was happening both “you<
matter: The problem was that it could only be negotiated transnationally. Among the 170 actors in the pro- gramme “1918 | 2018. What is demo- cracy?”, it is therefore only logical to find locally based cultural groups such as the “Instituto Italiano di Cultura”, the “Institut français”, the “Czech Cen- tre” and the “America House”. All of which makes the programme itself a fine example of urban democracy in practice. A democracy that does not close itself off to reflection and its place within the bigger picture. A democracy that speaks of European openness. Trade relations and international cooperation
Internationally, Munich and the sur- rounding region is much in demand as a place to do business. Numer ous global players, start-ups, scien- tific institutions and networks are based here, and the 40 or so dele- gations that arrive here every year mostly come from Europe, Asia and Various Voices – 14th European North America. Visitors are keen to know about the structure of indus- LGBTI* Choir Festival in 2018 try and the academic community and want to discover what opportu- nities the city has to offer. Many are Some 90 choirs with around community that was supported by also interested in forging links with 2,700 singers from the lesbian, local government, a number of different organisations. Together gay, bisexual, trans* and inter- sponsors and a sizeable team of with partners such as the Bavarian sexual (LGBTI*) community volunteers. Ministry of Economic Affairs, Invest descended on Munich from in Bavaria, the Consulates-General May 9 – 13, 2018, to celebrate Various Voices mirrors the diversity and the various business clubs, the European choir festival of queer life models and tells the regular networking events tackle “Various Voices”. story of LGBTI* lifestyles throug- subjects relating to Munich as a hout the world. Above all, the festi- business location and the challen- For five days, the Gasteig cultural val brings people together – people ges faced here by each community. centre became the focal point for from the LGBTI’ community itself, New offers of support combine 200 choral concerts, making this but also local residents. The organi- with topical local issues as the one of the year’s biggest cultural sers were even able to enlist the focus of these events, which serve events in the Bavarian capital. There participation of four choirs from as important platforms for dialogue. were also galas, parties, boat trips Ukraine and one from Turkey, They also show local government’s on Lake Starnberg and – the high- reflecting another important aspect appreciation of the various commu- light – the famous Carmina Burana of Various Voices: solidarity with nities. for everyone to join in, accompa- people from countries where queer nied by a large orchestra and lifestyles can be lived out only More than 30 events and projects thousands of singers on the Ode- under difficult circumstances. with international participation were onsplatz. The latter performance staged in 2018, involving Sweden, also involved the Sängerkreis Mün- While Gasteig served as the fes China, Japan, India and other coun- chen (“Munich Singing Group”), tival’s fulcrum, choirs also appeared tries. The international activities of the State Theatre on the Gärtner- outside the opera house on Max- local government’s Economic Deve- platz and the University Symphony Joseph-Platz for the entire duration lopment unit made an important Orchestra. It was open to one and of the event. The open nature of the contribution to Munich’s positio- all: Everyone was free to sing along open-air stage underscored the fun- ning – and the outside world’s per- and experience the thrill of the damental principles of openness ception of Munich – as a significant unique atmosphere of Various and tolerance – principles that reso- business hub in Europe. Again, Voices. nate deeply with stars such as they also express the Patrick Lindner, Conchita and City of Munich’s deep This was the 14th time that the famous countertenor Andreas appreciation for foreign major European choral event has Scholl. They, too, thrilled audiences companies, organisa- been held in total and the second as they took the stage during the tions and nationals who time in Munich. Never before has festival. have chosen to live and Various Voices been so vast and work here. diverse, however. The choirs them- selves, hailing from Europe, North America and Australia, were one reason for this. Another was the organisers at Monaccord, a fusion of four choirs from Munich’s queer
22 European and international affairs 2018
MOBiLus wins EIT Urban Mobility
The European Institute of Inno- The new innovation community vation and Technology (EIT) has seeks to improve the quality of life announced the winning team for citizens, more and more of for the new Urban Mobility whom find themselves living in knowledge and innovation com- densely populated and fast-growing munity (KIC): The “MOBiLus” urban agglomerations. This goal is consortium – in which Munich’s to be reached by introducing a local government is represented smarter traffic system that is gree- by the Department of Urban ner, safer and more inclusive. To Planning and Building Regulati- this end, the project will be tasked ons, the Department of Labor with developing, testing and imple- and Economic Development and menting innovative processes, pro- the Department of Public Order – ducts and services which can then Award for Munich was ultimately given the nod. be transferred to other urban con- texts. Local residents should have as a city successfully The MOBiLus consortium was their say and play an active part in connected in Europe picked as the winning team for the the necessary transformation of new Urban Mobility innovation urban mobility, the aim being to test community. Over the next seven innovative solutions and gain subs- As part of a years (with an option for another tantial acceptance for them. One model project for seven years thereafter), the Euro- explicit aim is to carry on where regional plan- pean Union will contribute around existing projects and measures ning, Germany’s EUR 400 million to this community, leave off. Federal Institute whose headquarters are in Barce- for Research on lona. This time frame will allow a Munich itself is experiencing a Building, Urban long-term international partnership phase of dynamic growth and trans- Affairs and Spa- to emerge whose objective is to formation which is confronting the tial Development – acting on behalf of the Federal improve the quality of life in our local authorities with major challen- Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community – cities. 48 partners are committed ges and the need for change. Susta- launched a national competition entitled “Success- to the new EIT Urban Mobility inno- inable, forward-looking mobility is a fully connected in Europe – Shaping cities and vation community: universities, key element in this change process. regions together”. In Berlin on November 28, research institutions, companies, Being part of the innovation com- Munich won the 2018 prize in the Large Cities associations and both municipal munity will thus let the city draw category. and regional governments from all from a deep pool of information and over Europe, including Stockholm, knowledge sharing, access net- Five projects of singular importance to more balan- Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Prague, works and funding and receive sup- ced regional development were highlighted. In and Barcelona and Milan. Munich is port in implementing new solutions. together with the region, the EU Interreg Alpine represented by strong local part- Ongoing EU projects such as Smar- space projects Moreco (completed in 2014), ners – the Technical University of ter Together and CIVITAS ECCEN- ASTUS and LOS_DAMA! are working on new Munich (TUM), the Unternehmer- TRIC, but also national development approaches to housing development, mobility and TUM Center for Innovation and projects such a City2Share (run by green infrastructure. Meanwhile, the CIVITAS Business Creation, the Fraunhofer the Federal Ministry for the Environ- ECCENTRIC and Smarter Together projects focus Society, BMW, Siemens and VW ment, Nature Conservation and on sub-urban areas as testing grounds for smart Bus and Truck (MAN) – with all of Nuclear Safety) show how success- mobility, energy and infrastructure. whom the City of Munich has fully this kind of collaborative ven- already cooperated closely and suc- ture is already testing the mobility Statement of the jury: “The City of Munich has an cessfully on an array of projects. of tomorrow and developing the impressive array of European projects to advance best possible solutions for the regional development and quality of life,” the jury The head office of one of five regio- future. said in explaining its choice. “Sustainability is an nal centres will be at the Innovation important aspect of projects to improve the use of Hub Central in Munich’s future Headquartered in Budapest, the EIT living space, green infrastructure and alternative innovation and start-up centre in is an independent EU initiative mobility options. Deploying innovative apps and the creative quarter. In collaboration whose mission is to strengthen mobility models also steers the economy in new with the Digital Hub Mobility spon- Europe’s innovation capabilities. directions. Munich’s European cooperation is sored by the Federal Ministry for More information: impressive not just because of its potent internatio- Economic Affairs and Energy, a nal networks, but also because the approaches it centre for the development of sus- Mehr unter develops are eminently transferable. Large and tainable urban mobility is being eit.europa.eu growing cities often face similar challenges, so built here. solutions to tackle housing shortages and include peri-urban areas are of great importance to other places, too.” European and international affairs 2018 23
Tremendous achievements Sustainable traffic and on site, in the Alpine region housing development and beyond The Alpine Smart Transport and Gewinner! Urbanism Strategies (ASTUS) pro- LOS-DAMA! is on the loose! conference highlighted a deep ject is seeking to foster enthusi- Over the past two years, the appreciation for the Dachau Moor asm for the more intensive use of LOS_DAMA! project has been area and strengthened the political living space in and around working hard to improve lands- base for joint action. Munich. Assuming that inward migration to the city capes and create multifunctio- continues unbroken, this approach could avoid a lot nal open spaces in urban regi- LOS_DAMA!‘s autumn academy for of new construction work – and its concomitant car- ons in the Alpine region. “Green master‘s students and young pro- bon footprint. Local surveys were conducted in the infrastructure for better living” fessionals zoomed in on the year under review with the support of a behavioural is the motto of this partnership, Dachau Moor area and the Salz- psychologist. The findings are helping the project to which is headed by the Depart- burg urban region. The group of 23 learn how to encourage people to swap or sublet ment of Urban Planning and international participants was apartments and/or convert houses that have outg- Building Regulations. supervised by the project‘s three rown their occupants. Housing is a sensitive topic partner universities. A video recor- which centres around individual happiness – and, Pilot projects in seven urban regi- ded the work done and presents above all, how this happiness can be preserved or ons form the focus of LOS_DAMA! the outcomes. A role play in the increased. ASTUS works primarily with videos that In the first half of 2018, Munich form of a fictitious televised debate show successful examples of living space being used together with the Regional Manage gave participants the chance to try more intensively. People who see themselves or their ment Organisation Munich South their hand at reconciling different life situation depicted in a video they can relate will west, invited other associations interests and political positions on more likely be open to change than if they merely and – above all – citizens find the the development of regions. receive moralising information. Municipal housing treasures of nature on their door companies GWG and GEWOFAG together let out step. Two workshops, one GIS- Together with local experts, project more than 60,000 apartments and have now been based online survey and, by no partner explored on-site implemen- recruited as partners, allowing the insights gained to means least, the presence at three tation in Zurich and Vienna. Even date to be tried out in practice. The outcomes of the markets in the region contributed to more intensive dialogue was enab- ASTUS project – including the mobility solutions put the “treasure map” which is now led by seven work shadowing together by other project partners – can also be available. In the latter half of the secondments for experts in Gre- applied outside the Alpine space. year, LOS_DAMA! then joined with noble, Munich, Turin, Salzburg and the Dachauer Moos (“Dachau Vienna. Beyond these encounters, Mehr unter Moor”) association to organise an LOS_DAMA! also had a presence at muenchen.de/astus intermunicipal conference on lands- conferences all over Europe: at the cape development entitled “Let‘s “European Week of Regions and do moor”. This event took place at Cities” in Brussels; at the annual the palace of Dachau celebrating forum of the EU Strategy for the ten years of climate programme in Alpine Region (EUSALP) in Inns- Bavaria as well. The challenges bruck; and at the “ESP Conference Gewinner! Munich‘s twin city Verona, the were presented from a host of diffe- on Ecosystem Services” in San Milan urban region and the cities of rent angles – by farmers, cultural Sebastián. Bergamo and Innsbruck followed professionals, recreation seekers the example of the eight member and nature conservationists – in It was especially gratifying to see cities and urban regions in signing order to identify out common goals further growth in LOS_DAMA!‘s the Green Infrastructure memoran- for landscape development. The city network on the political level: dum of understanding published in October 2017!
More information: muenchen.de/ los_dama 24 European and international affairs 2018
Smarter Together: Sustainable measures to craft the smart neighbourhood of tomorrow
The only way to reconcile rising demand for living space with ever scarcer building plots is to step up urban density. Energy efficiency and new, smart concepts are therefore needed to master the challenges of traffic congestion, lack of par- king spaces and – by no means least – worsening pollution. Since 2015, the City of Munich has been working on appropriate sustainable measu- res under the aegis of the EU-subsidised Smarter Together project: Acting in concert with local resi- dents, it is fashioning the Neuaubing-Westkreuz/ Freiham district into a smart neighbourhood of tomorrow. 2018 was the year when plans were put into practice.
Mobility is one of the core themes of Smarter Together. A modest but proud ceremony was thus held in July 2018 when the first four of a total of eight planned mul- timodal mobility stations went live. The remaining four stations went into service in mid-December. Local government expects this mobility concept to change the composition of urban traffic going forward. Above all, it believes that the proportion of motorised private transport will decline. Only then can the City of Munich achieve its goals – one of which is for the entire city to be carbon-neutral by 2050.
The eight stations now in place are making Neuaubing- Westkreuz/Freiham a mobile neighbourhood. Local transport utility MVG has complemented the provision of bikes with additional mobility modules such as motorised e‑bikes, utility e‑trikes, charging stations for electric cars and e‑car sharing vehicles from STATT- Gewinner! AUTO. The multimodal mobility stations are also inter- the context of urban development and building moder- linked with MVG’s core local public transport offerings. nisation, provide free advice that is driving the project All eight stations feature public wireless LAN. A digital forward. Besides conducting extensive analyses, MGS information point at each one displays all available also presents a professional concept comprising activi- mobility options plus a wide variety of local offerings. ties to upgrade building envelopes, modernise heating What have become known as neighbourhood sharing systems and both incorporate and expand renewable boxes have also been installed at the Westkreuz com- energy supply systems (photovoltaics and district hea- muter rail (S-bahn) station and at the mobility station in ting). The company has developed its own “building Freienfelsstrasse. Fitted with refrigerated, deep freeze modernisation and energy check” tool which it uses in and ambient-temperature compartments, these boxes customer consulting. Advice is based on a thorough allow delivery, shopping and swapping services to take investigation of existing buildings, performed on site in place around the clock. Local traders and other compa- the company of the occupants. The tool delivers indivi- nies that back the project can leave deliveries here to dual, made-to-measure planning and decision aids in be picked up by their customers, while private individu- each case – for each building type and every owner- als can use them for temporary storage and/or to swap ship structure. Building modernisation helps owners items. save a lot of money on heating and energy costs. But they only qualify – and benefit from attractive subsi- Fit for the future – Renewable sources dies – if they agree to have buildings upgraded to “KfW to fuel a low-energy district efficiency house 100” level. This part of the project has Smarter Together also gives high priority to the socially two aims: to make modernisation measures more cost- sustainable modernisation of energy systems in resi- effective for private owners, but also to meet the city’s dential buildings, as well as to increasing the share of climate policy objectives. MGS has successfully signed heating and electricity that is fuelled from renewable up two property owners’ associations in the project energy sources. The team from Munich urban renewal area whose buildings will now receive comprehensive company MGS, who are experts on energy issues in “Smarter Together modernisation”. European and international affairs 2018 25
About the project
Smarter Together is a joint project in which the cities of Lyon, Munich and Vienna are developing and trialling smart city solutions. The EU Commis- sion is providing financial support for the project. In Munich, local government and eleven partners from the business and academic communities are investing in the Neuaubing-Westkreuz/Freiham project area. The aim is to provide the roughly 30,000 residents with a better quality of life, make living space more energy-efficient and create con- nected mobility offerings – with the aid of intelli- gently used data and new technologies. Ideas piloted in the project area are subsequently to be implemented in other parts of Munich and other European cities.
Free of charge and crisis-proof: Renewable energy from the sun and the Earth On top of measures to modernise heating systems, the source of energy itself should make a major contribu- tion to supplying the neighbourhood with a large pro- portion of renewable – and hence ecofriendly – power. Municipal utility SWM’s geothermal power plant in Freiham feeds environmentally friendly geothermal energy into the district heating network, helping buil- dings in the neighbourhood to realise virtually carbon- neutral heating. The City of Munich is also very actively committed to generating electricity from renewable sources. During the Smarter Together project runtime alone, one nursery and two schools in the project area have been fitted with photovoltaic systems. These, the Ellis-Kaut-Strasse. Fibre optical cables allow these together with the systems installed for the property lamp posts to be equipped with add-on functions such owners’ associations, are thus delivering more than as public wireless LAN. Sensors built into the lamp 109 kWp of green solar power. The battery store at posts likewise open up the possibility of other intelli- Freiham’s geothermal heating plant is an important gent functions: In the future, these connected lamp element of SWM’s existing “virtual power plant”. Con- posts will be able to measure environmental, weather necting up individual power generation plants, inclu- and current traffic data in real time, for example. For ding some that draw on renewable sources, allows the feature sets of the new lamp posts, the City of substantial capacity to be made available to the grid on Munich experimented with a new EU-wide procure- demand, but also to store excess energy. The battery ment tool known as the “open call”. Rather than asking store is thus also a key aspect of the energy transition, providers to supply individual sensors with specific, making it easier to balance out peaks in regional power predefined functions, open calls appeal to providers’ generation and demand. Together with the modernisa- innovative capabilities. The challenge was to develop tion of energy systems, moves to ramp up power sup- digital solutions for the lamp posts based on the data ply systems based on renewable energy can save as measured by the sensors and in line with the requested much as 700 tonnes of CO2 per year. services. Open calls gave providers the chance to con- tribute additional aspects and ideas of their own – Innovative ideas make lamp posts smart in keeping with the need for relevant total solutions. Since last year, “smart” lamp posts have been lighting In this way, Smarter Together is benefiting from a up a number of streets in the neighbourhood. Over 40 wealth of experience in highly innovative areas while of these roughly ten-metre-tall lamp posts now line the at the same time minimising its own investment risks. Bodenseestrasse, Limesstrasse and Wiesentfelser Strasse, while about 20 lamp posts that are only three Mehr unter metres tall are positioned in the green corridor along smarter-together.de Always flexible & mobile: First mobility stations opened in the north of Munich Munich’s Mayor Dieter Reiter joined the city’s mobility providers in sum- mer 2018 to open the first two mobility stations for the Domagk- park neighbourhood and Parkstadt Schwabing. A large yellow M – for mobility – is clearly visible, showing where the information points are and identifying the location of the mobility stations in the project area. (E-)car sharing, e-scooters and an assortment of different bikes and utility trikes for hire are available here, as are pedelecs from the pro- viders Car2go, Drive-now, Emmy, MVG Rad, OPLY and STATTAUTO, all of whom have a footprint in Munich. In addition, municipal uti- lity SWM has installed charging Rethinking mobility: stations as part of local govern CIVITAS ECCENTRIC ment’s drive to promote e‑mobility. Mobility stations are a new feature of suburban traffic and mobility In Munich, CIVITAS ECCENTRIC JobRide – Commuting planning. They open up the possibi- is currently one of the European to the Parkstadt together lity of flexible, low-cost access to flagship projects in the field of Since March 2018, the JobRide ini- different modes of transport at any mobility. Backed by EUR 4 mil- tiative has been the Department of time and in any place. “With mobi- lion in EU funding, the project Public Order’s way of supporting lity stations, local government is commenced in October 2016. the formation of car pools to ease seeking to master the challenge of Its aim is to draft solutions for the burden of commuter traffic. limited space and different mobility sustainable mobility in subur- It was launched in the Parkstadt needs. Our aim is to improve the ban housing areas, subject them Schwabing district, whose 200 or quality of life and deliver full mobi- to scientific scrutiny, develop so firms and approximately 12,000 lity without the need for a single them and test them in the jobs make it the destination of and car,” Reiter says. “Wherever we Domagkpark quarter, in Park- point of departure for huge num- build new neighbourhoods from stadt Schwabing and beyond. bers of daily commutes. Many of scratch, the important thing is to these journeys are completed by factor sustainable mobility into the private car – often alone. This is one planning from the word go. The area where ride-sharing can quickly Domagkpark quarter and Parkstadt The Technical University of Munich bring considerable relief, but its Schwabing are of special impor- (TUM) is providing scientific sup- potential has been left largely tance in this regard, because we port for the project throughout its unused up to now. Thanks to Job- want to use the insights we gain entire runtime. The objective is to Ride, car pools can be formed over from the model projects here for deliver validated recommendations the Internet or using an app. The other new neighbourhoods such for the planning of future measures only requirement is that companies as Freiham, the Prinz-Eugen-Park to promote sustainable mobility must sign up for the service. Since and the Bayernkaserne grounds.” within Munich’s city boundaries JobRide went live, four companies A total of four mobility stations are and beyond. Numerous measures based in Parkstadt Schwabing – to be set up in the Domagkpark for local residents were implemen- Fujitsu Technology Solutions, MAN and Parkstadt Schwabing before ted in the first two years of the pro- Truck & Bus Deutschland, Osram the project ends in 2020. ject. Two more followed in 2018, as and Züblin/Strabag – have opted to did a pan-European meeting and participate. The service thus already General assembly of all Euro- the “Successfully connected!” reaches more than 2,500 emplo- pean project partners in Munich award (see page 22). yees; and the more firms sign up, Munich hosted a plenary session of the more car pool offers and the EU’s CIVITAS ECCENTRIC pro- searches will be submitted. That in ject from February 26 to March 1, turn increases the probability of Gewinner! 2018. Representatives of the more successful ride placement. Compa- than 30 partner organisations – nies interested in participating are local administrations, academe and always welcome. businesses – visited the projects European and international affairs 2018 27
under development in the Bavarian Mobility and traffic in capital, and also presented and dis- cussed the results achieved by all Stockholm and Copenhagen five partner cities. At the same time, the general assembly sought to forge an international network City Councillors and Public Order Committee and facilitate political dialogue at travel to the Swedish and Danish capitals the European level. To this end, the Mayor of Munich invited political In April, a delegation from Munich representatives of the five partner City Council travelled to Stockholm cities to convene here for a meeting and Copenhagen to discuss sustai- of the Political Advisory Group. nable traffic and mobility strategies with the two cities’ politicians and Outlook administrations, but also to visit Further measures are due to be model projects. implemented in 2019. The various partners are working on new solu- Stockholm, Copenhagen and tions aimed at different target Munich have all been growing fast groups in the project area. For for a number of years – in terms of example, two app solutions to both population and urban traffic. To pool ideas improve road safety will be rolled on strategies and solutions to keep traffic as city-friendly and as out. In addition, a new resident ecofriendly as possible, the Department of Public Order organised a mobility management system that study visit to the Danish and Swedish capitals for members of Munich uses direct and dialogue marketing City Council and the local administration. Stockholm’s Mayor in charge approaches will be developed and of traffic and transport showed the delegation his city’s ambitious traf- offered to locals as a source of fic and environment policy goals and the plan of action it has under advice and information. taken. Examples include the introduction of street use charges, a new parking space management program and traffic surveillance. The visi- More information: tors from Munich also made a trip to Stockholm Royal Seaport, the civitas.eu/eccentric city’s biggest urban development project, to explore options for linking muenchen.de/eccentric housing and mobility. With local experts, the delegation then dis- cussed the future of autonomous driving – and was able to hitch a ride with Scandinavia’s first autonomous bus shuttle.
The group was particularly taken by the concept of summer streets: Every year, a number of Stockholm streets are blocked off for vehicular traffic in the summer months, during which street furniture and gast- ronomic services create a vibrant atmosphere. The councillors would like to see the same thing done in the Bavarian capital: Following their visit, they commissioned the local administration to draft a suitable CIVITAS Handshake: concept. A pioneer in the discipline of road safety, Stockholm also pre- sented its comprehensive traffic safety program and extensive acci- Towards more cycle-friendly dent analytics to the delegation. As soon as the latter returned home, the Public Order Committee passed a resolution defining “Vision Zero” – cities no deaths or serious injuries on the roads – as the new strategic objec- tive of Munich’s traffic safety concept. The last day of the journey, As part of the EU’s CIVITAS Handshake project, spent in Copenhagen, was devoted entirely to cycle traffic. The delega- the cities of Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Munich tion learned how the Danish capital had evolved into a cycling city and began working together on innovations in urban what actions were taken to specifically promote this mode of trans- cycling in September 2018. Munich is focusing on port. On a cycling tour, the visitors saw for themselves different ways enhanced road safety and better signals. With the in which cycle traffic is managed, how streetscapes have been rear- aid of new methods, it also wants to capture and ranged and how convenience has been improved for cyclists. Coope- analyse cycling data. Another key aspect is internati- ration between the three cities in the area of mobility and traffic will onal knowledge sharing and dialogue. Drawing on continue in the years ahead. Under the aegis of the EU-funded CIVI- their own many years’ experience, the three lead TAS ECCENTRIC project, for example, Munich is working with Stock- cities are helping ten other European cities to imple- holm on mobility solutions for peri-urban neighbourhoods. In the CIVI- ment urban cycling measures. In light of its success- TAS Handshake project, it is working with Copenhagen on measures ful activities in the marketing of cycling and in cam- to promote cycling. paign management, the Bavarian capital is seen as a role model in this area. CIVITAS Handshake con- The cities’ collaborative efforts will be further stepped up in 2019 centrates not only on bicycles as a means of getting within the framework of the Urban Mobility knowledge and informa- around, but also on cycle traffic as an opportunity tion community (see page 23). to redesign urban spaces and, in the process, to improve quality of life. 28 European and international affairs 2018
Child-friendly mobility for a liveable urban district
“Neighbourhoods with a child-friendly design their parents brought them in the car. The class with the are sustainable, liveable places for everyone.” most green leaves on the tree won the competition. This is the motto of the METAMORPHOSIS project, under which a series of activities took In spring 2019, a new, interactive walking and running place in 2018. game called “kreuz & quer” (“here, there and every- where”) will be piloted in the Moosach district. In a play- More and more traffic is congesting our streets. Child- ful approach, children will be encouraged to actively ren have little or no opportunity to play outside safely explore their neighbourhood. The aim is to earn as many or to become mobile on their own. To raise awareness points and kilometres as possible in the space of seven of this situation, two sections of road were temporarily weeks. Each child will be given a chipcard with which to cordoned off to traffic in July and October. For several score points at the various game stations. Friends and hours, children and their parents could use these family can help the children collecting points. The City of streets to play, run around or simply “hang out”. Vienna set the example for this activity: In the Austrian capital, the game has already been successfully imple- The first time most children go anywhere on their own mented and well received. is when they go to school. In a competition called “Heroes on the way to school”, primary school children The City of Munich has been involved in this project were encouraged to stay healthy and be kind to the since June 2017. Its part of the project is headed by the environment on their way to school. During the two- Department of Public Order. The other cities in the con- week campaign, the children each day stuck a leaf on sortium are Zurich, Graz, Southampton, Alba Iulia, Til- a poster of a bare tree. Each child got a green leaf for burg and Merano. going to school on foot, by scooter or by bike, a yellow one if they used the bus, train or tram, and a red one if
CITIES GROW project concluded
Eighth Integrating Cities Integration” working group, is a Munich were presented in 2017 by Conference “Cities4People” successful example of precisely this the Job Centre and the Employ- kind of cooperation. The toolkits it ment Agency, the Social Services The eighth Integrating Cites Confe- has produced provide practical Department, the Department of rence “Cities4People” in Milan on recommendations to municipal Labor and Economic Development, November 7-8 was attended by 180 decision-makers in Europe concer- the Chamber of Industry and Com- representatives of local govern- ning how challenges surrounding merce, the Chamber of Skilled ments, European institutions, inter- the integration of migrants and Crafts, the electrical engineers’ national organisations and the sci- refugees can be overcome and guild, the MünchenStift foundation entific community. The gathering how integration strategies can be and various other actors. On a stressed the need for closer coope- developed. return visit in Athens in May 2018, ration between the European and a joint action plan was drawn up, local levels. Given that migration is CITIES GROW was concluded in while the Munich delegation gained a present reality in all European Milan in the year under review. The an impressive insight into the host cities, the European Commission project began with a launch event city’s integration strategy. The con- increasingly sees them as structural in Brussels in May 2017 that was ference also featured a presentation partners. It is therefore encouraging attended by 16 cities. These cities of Munich’s overall plan for the collaboration and dialogue between were assigned as mentors and men- integration of refugees, with integ- cities as an effective way to learn tees to four different thematic clus- ration in Munich the focus of inte- from each other about the topic of ters. Munich served as a mentor rest among all those in attendance. integration. with Athens as its mentee. Coordi- nated by EUROCITIES, with scienti- Go here for a film about coopera- “Cities integrating refugees and fic support from “Migration Works” tion between Munich and Athens: migrants through economic acti- and organised by the Social Servi- vimeo.com/album/5519392 vity”, a CITIES GROW project initia- ces Department, successful examp- ted by EUROCITIES’ “Migration & les of the work of integration in European and international affairs 2018 29
Teaming up for a spirit of creative enterprise – worldwide!
Cooperation between PCI, agenda was pieced together: a visit Kreative Deutschland, the to the Bavarian Film Centre and Goethe Institute and SCE: Since various design events in the course 2018, these four partners have of the MCBW; regular networking been pooling their expertise to meetings with creative professio- advance the cultural and crea- nals in Munich; a tour of the crea- tive industries in Germany and tive quarter, and much more besi- around the globe. des. Going forward, the Goethe Institute wants to expand its activi- Munich’s Cultural and Creative ties in the cultural and creative Industries team are part of industries, for which purpose it Germany’s nationwide Promoting needs experienced industry experts. Cultural Industries (PCI) network. Munich’s team and other parts of Founded in 2016, this network of the PCI network will accompany organisations to promote the cultu- this development and remain ral and creative industries in Ger- available to provide advice to the many and “Kreative Deutschland” Goethe Institute. The rationale is (the German National Association compelling: For the often “culture- of Cultural and Creative Industries) driven” creative professionals in are the ideal partners for the Goe- Munich and Germany, looking bey- the Institute and the Strascheg ond one’s own backyard and buil- Center for Enterpreneurship (SCE). ding international networks are All four organisations are pulling often the first steps toward the together to further develop their international market. Cultural Entrepreneurship Hubs project. The project: Cultural Entrepreneurship Hubs Headquartered right opposite the Greece, Indonesia and South Africa: head office of the Goethe Institute, Together with the Strascheg Center the City of Munich’s Cultural and for Entrepreneurship (SCE), the Creative Industries team is in regu- Goethe Institute has since 2017 lar demand as a key point of con- been establishing creative industry tact. It is also involved in activities centres in Thessaloniki, Jakarta and relating to the Cultural Entrepre- Johannesburg. These “Cultural Ent- neurship Hubs project. During the repreneurship Hubs” are devoted to 2018 Munich Creative Business promoting the spirit of cultural Week (MCBW), Munich welcomed enterprise. They serve as melting a visit from Kreative Deutschland, pots for entrepreneurial thinking staff of the Goethe hubs team and and actions, enabling better use to employees from Johannesburg, be made of synergies and start-up tural and creative industries in Ger- Thessaloniki and Jakarta, with ideas to be incubated to market many, how to develop it and how to whom the Bavarian capital signed a readiness. They supply cultural pro- engage in related political dis- Memorandum of Understanding fessionals with business knowledge course. They know the existing fun- documenting the intention to work and put them in touch with the ding and development structures together. The aim for the future is to creative industry scenes in Ger- and have the backing of potent net- develop shared programmes and many and elsewhere. works. Hamburg’s “Creative Soci- formats for forge networks between ety” and the team from Munich act actors in Germany and the other Outside Germany, the Goethe Insti- as speakers for the PCI network signatory countries, to build robust tute acts as a cultural mediator and and are thus able to multiply activi- structures for the creative industries has accumulated a wealth of expe- ties surrounding the project. in each of the cities, and to support rience in international cultural the transfer of knowledge and exchanges. The SCE contributes its ideas. expertise from the entrepreneurial and start-up perspective. For their During the project participants’ stay part, the PCI network and Kreative in Munich in March, a unique Deutschland are experts in the cul- 30 European and international affairs 2018
Adult education centres’ learning partnership to integrate refugees
The Erasmus+ project “Municipal education strategies for the integration of refugees in open urban societies”
UN data puts the number of displaced persons world- wide at over 65 million. In Europe and Turkey alone, hundreds of thousands of refugees face the challenge of becoming part of a new life environment – although they mostly know little or nothing about the personal and career prospects that await them. Since 2015, the ter and education both for migrants and for indigenous municipalities of Maltepe, Ulm, Vienna and Munich populations, and that the subject of migration have been affected by the refugee situation under dif- demands closer attention within the spectrum of politi- ferent political circumstances and to varying degrees. cal education. The project partners described the Euro- As part of the Erasmus+ project “Municipal education pean learning partnership between the adult education strategies for the integration of refugees in open urban centres in Ulm, Vienna, Maltepe and Munich as a profi- societies”, the adult education centres in these cities table forum for dialogue and a driver of integration in joined forces between 2016 and 2018 to establish a Europe. learning partnership. Their aim was to learn from and with each other, and to engage in dialogue concerning projects for initial language orientation, target-group- specific offers of qualifications, gaining a clear picture of refugees’ educational levels and existing skill sets, and support for and the professionalisation of civic engagement. Advanced vocational training In their capacity as non-partisan and ideologically neut- ral educational establishments, adult education centres abroad with Erasmus+ have always been open to all swathes of the population and to people of any and every ethnic origin. They also have decades of experience and expertise in language- The unit International Coope- aspects. Trainees also attended based integration, can teach school and vocational ration in Education (ICE) at an intercultural workshop to help courses and create a forum for intercultural encounter. the Institute for Professional them prepare for their stay Moreover, they operate in a cooperative environment Development in Education has abroad. that embraces numerous local government actors. In for many years been submit- other words, they are the ideal vehicle for networking ting Erasmus+ applications Besides providing individual sup- when it comes to the integration of migrants. for the funding of periods of port to teachers and trainees, the vocational education abroad. unit likewise helps vocational Munich’s adult education centre contributed the expe- schools to submit their own rience and insights it has gained from six of its own Project funds of over EUR 400,000 applications, advising them on integration projects, some of which it has been running were sourced in this way in 2018, the strategic orientation of their for decades. One of these was the project “Refugees at allowing both trainees and international activities and on Work and at School”, in which unaccompanied minor teachers at Munich’s vocational associated internal personnel refugees were able to prepare for a certificate of school schools to complete internships development matters. Advanced education or for vocational training. and educational visits at compa- training and development abroad nies and vocational schools gives teachers the chance to The learning partnership between the four adult educa- around Europe. The recipients of experience new education sys- tion centres facilitated systematic dialogue and helped scholarships receive intensive tems and teaching methods, to raise the profile of municipal integration strategies in advice and assistance with the engage in work shadowing at public education. At the closing convention in Vienna search for internships from the educational institutions, to talk to in June 2018, representatives of the adult education ICE unit within the framework of their peers on location abroad, centres noted that, in the context of open urban socie- the programme. The ICE unit also and thus to develop their profes- ties, their organisations are seen as places of encoun- takes care of administrative sional networks. European and international affairs 2018 31
European activities at the vocational schools in Deroystrasse
At the Munich Municipal Vocational School for Production Technology (BSFT) and the Municipal Vocational School for Metal Construction and Product Design, both in Deroy strasse, European activities encompass mobility projects and strategic partnerships.
Both of these Munich municipal schools teach technical modules in which between six and eight European trainees spend two weeks Five years together working as a team and learning specialised subject matter, such as working with CAD software and transferring the data to the and counting: CNC machine. Trainees are welcomed to Munich from European partner schools in the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Slovakia, Barcelona Finland and the UK. and Munich Four different modules are currently on offer in Munich (SPS, elec- tric drives, CAD/CAM and electropneumatics), with two more (one Every year, the unit International intensification module and a course in systems integration) in the Cooperation in Education (ICE) pipeline. A further learning agreement was signed with a technical at the Institute for Professional college in Georgia/USA in October of the year under review. Con- Development in Education versely, German trainees can in turn complete specialist modules at within the Department of Edu- the partner schools. Here, the spectrum includes CNC milling in cation and Sports arranges a Slovakia, 3D printing in the Netherlands, SPS programming and programme of dialogue and robotic technology in Spain, and wood technology in conjunction work shadowing in Barcelona. with metal construction in Finland. These modules last between about two and six weeks and are taught in English. Funded out of Erasmus+ scholar- ships, teaching staff gain an insight In October 2018, five cutting machine operators attended the Tech- into the Spanish education system, nicka Akademia partner school in Spisska Nova Ves/Slovakia. In visit nurseries and get to talk to this module, the youngsters learned to program and use CNC local education partners. This year’s machines which – thanks to modern control technologies – are able visit was devoted entirely to Elinor to automate and replicate the production of workpieces with com- Goldschmied’s “heuristic play” plex contours with a high degree of dimensional and shape accu- exploration game approach. Every- racy. Other participants in the same module came from schools in day items and natural materials sti- Weiden/Switzerland and the Czech Republic. The two vocational mulate the very youngest children schools in Deroystrasse have a two-year Erasmus+ agreement and to explore, discover and understand. can offer this kind of mobile tuition to 119 trainees. The beneficiaries At the facilities they visited, partici- thus receive an attractive, modern form of training that takes them pants gained an understanding of out of their familiar context and also promotes cooperation with room design, the materials selected European employees, as well as encouraging tolerance and cultural and practical implementation. understanding. Enriched by a wealth of experien- ces, fresh ideas, a boost to their self-confidence and deeper intercul- tural understanding, the teaching staff returned to their regular places of work motivated and full of enthu- siasm, sharing what they had lear- ned with the team, the children and the parents. Long-standing coope- ration shows that Barcelona and Munich are growing closer together. The net is cast wider every year. And the practice of learning from and with each other across national borders is clearly becoming a mat- ter of course. 32 European and international affairs 2018
“USA for you” – Discovering everyday life and voluntary work
Children from Munich secondary schools engaged in voluntary projects – and got an inside view of life in an American family.
From October 20 till November 3, 2018, fifteen youngsters from seven Munich secondary schools travelled in the company of two chaperones to Ann Arbor/Michigan as part of the “USA for you” Educational structures for the exchange programme. In Michigan, they lived in host families, attended English classes and did integration of new arrivals voluntary work on social projects. The latter ran- ged from working on a goat farm to helping out with fabric remnants donated to a second-hand A fact-finding mission to In the course of the week, the store to painting a bridge support in a public park. Munich for a delegation from Québecois were able to meet with In the course of the social projects, the youngsters the Canadian province of experts to discuss and share their got talking to local volunteers and learned Québec. own experience of a wide range something of what it means to shoulder social res- of education-related topics in the ponsibility. At the follow-up meeting, they had the Representatives of Québec’s Minis- context of refugees and migration. opportunity to reflect on their experiences, learn try of Education and of the Margue- In an evaluation discussion to end from challenges and continue using their newly rite Bourgeoys School Board in the week, the group outlined its acquired skills going forward. Montreal spent a week in October positive impressions of the existing in the Bavarian capital to learn structures to integrate and promote The closing ceremony for this fully funded coope- about how Munich integrates new the inclusion of young new arrivals ration project was a reception at the US embassy arrivals in its education system. in Munich. Both sides nevertheless in Berlin on December 6. Here, the participants Like Germany, the province of agreed that this was only the begin- and their parents got to know and pool experien- Québec too faces the challenge of ning, and that further progress in ces with both the sponsors and the young people welcoming and successfully integ- this direction is still needed. from Brandenburg, Saxony and Thuringia who rating children and youngsters who made up the other three “USA for you” groups. are migrants or refugees in existing The visit from Québec reinforced a educational institutions. The unit cooperative relationship between The project is coordinated by Youth for Understan- International Cooperation in Educa- the International Educational ding e.V. in cooperation with Munich’s Unit for tion (ICE) at the Department of Edu- Cooperation unit and institutions in International Cooperation in Education and co-fun- cation and Sport‘s Institute for Pro- the Canadian province (including ded by the Robert Bosch Foundation, the Ministry fessional Development in Education the Ministry of Education) that has of Economic Affairs as well as the US Embassy. therefore joined with the Municipal continued for many years. Only last Education Management and Con- April, a group of school and nursery More information: trol unit to organise a one-week teachers from Munich visited Qué- yfu.de/usa-for-you programme for the Québec delega- bec City and Montreal to learn tion. The programme provided an about the integration of new arri- overview of the various educational vals in these cities, too. services on offer to new arrivals. Alongside visits to municipal and government-run organisations, the week also focused on independent institutions.
Talks on both formal and non-for- mal education were presented at the various institutions, and the delegation from Québec also had the chance to sit in on school clas- ses, as well as engaging in dialogue with teachers and pupils alike. The latter opportunity was appreciated especially, as the youngsters openly shared their personal experience with the visitors from Canada. Amman-Munich exchange programme for school and nursery teachers
School and nursery teachers from Munich and Amman, the capital of Jordan, met for ten days to each share the professional and private life of their exchange partners.
Like Germany, Jordan’s society and the Jordanian government also face the challenge of creating educa- tional opportunities for children and young people with a migration and refugee background. This realisation was the starting point for the mutual exchange pro- gramme organised in 2018 for the second time by the International Educational Cooperation (IEC) unit of the Pedagogical Institute in Munich and the Goethe Insti- Pilot project: “Generation Europe – tute in Amman. Work shadowing at a variety of educa- tional institutions gave participants an overview of edu- Democracy in Action” cation as a whole in both cities, as well as providing front-line insights into the everyday reality of the schoo- ling system. In addition, a visit to the Al-Azraq refugee Youngsters from Munich, from the balcony and fill the camp in particular and an introduction to the work of Olsztyn and Barcelona become legendary “Lichthof” courtyard at CARE facilitated a deeper discussion in Amman of the politically active together. Munich’s Ludwig Maxmilians Uni- situation of refugee children and youngsters and their versity (LMU) – just as Hans and families in the region. Conversely, the Jordanian colle- Racism in Europe, Brexit, climate Sophie Scholl had done in 1943. agues were manifestly impressed by the extensive change, housing, Europe’s shift Seeing how people stopped to efforts made within Munich’s educational landscape to to the right, how we relate to read the demands of the younger accommodate the individual needs of schoolchildren each other and to refugees: These generation made a lasting impres- as best as possible – not only (but also) in the context were the topics addressed by sion on those who took part in of integrating and including refugees. 24 students aged 15 to 18 from “Generation Europe”, spurring Munich, Barcelona and Olsztyn at them on to do more. And this was the first international youth con- only the beginning: The second vention of “Generation Europe” youth convention will be held in from October 26 to November 11, Olsztyn in summer 2019, followed 2018, in Pöcking, near Munich. by a third in Barcelona in 2020. The youngsters discussed their The tears that flowed when they wishes and ideas for a united said their goodbyes were thus Europe with a view to democracy, comforted by knowing that the active public participation and youngsters will soon each other human rights. again.
Examining a wonderful example Initiated by the IBB, the “Genera- of active civic participation and tion Europe” project constitutes the struggle to uphold human an international network of youth rights, the group were inspired by organisations whose aim is to the courage of Hans and Sophie promote active civic participation Scholl – and themselves took an in Europe. It is subsidised by active stance: The participants Erasmus+ Youth in Action, the wrote down their visions and Federal Ministry for Family demands for the future and crea- Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women ted a large poster expressing the and Youth, the Mercator Founda- desire for freedom and justice. tion, DJPW and Munich’s Depart- Working hand in hand, the ment of Education and Sports. youngsters let flyers they them- selves had written float down More information: generationeurope.org 34 European and international affairs 2018
A “Young Ambassador” for the City of Munich
Anti-Racism Days
As part of the annual International Weeks Against Racism event, the City of Munich has, since 2015 organised an Anti-Racism Days campaign for about 450 young talents. The format has been very well received.
The fact that up-and-coming talents The content of the presentations Now entitled “Diversity beats nai- are prepared to actively back the and workshops focused on subjects vety”, it has for the past six years European idea is reflected in the such as “Instances of Racism in held compulsory and voluntary example shown by Munich’s Young current Literature – a Critical Analy- events tackling “Intercultural under- Ambassador at the EUROCITIES sis”, “Popular stereotypes – How standing”, “”Right-wing extre- Annual Conference in 2018. In a do I deal with them?”, “Between mism”, “Gender mainstreaming”, competition organised for young worlds – Dealing with sexism and “Inclusion”, “Standing up for what sters in the Bavarian capital, Franz racism”, “Playing hide and seek – you believe in” and “Sexual iden- Josef Möller, a city administration the new right-wing attitude” etc. tity” for all local government trai- trainee, produced a creative video A series of seminars entitled “Diver- nees on two and three year cour- that made him the jury’s clear sity opens doors – A challenge to ses. favourite. us all” launched in 2004 was com- pletely overhauled in 2012. Go to the video: munich4europe.de Work shadowing in the Baladiya project
The year 2018 once again saw Munich welcome two expert visitors from the Maghreb countries: Imene Guers, a geoinformation systems specialist from the National Urban Planning Agency in Algiers, and Moulay Ali Lad- nany, head of the Regional Planning and Environment Department in the Moroccan municipality of Tiznit. Orga- nised by Munich’s Department of Urban Planning and Building Regulations, the one-week work shadowing experience took in urban planning activities in Freiham and at the Agfa-Park in Giesing. This agenda was com- plemented by staff from urban development planning, urban renewal and housing, from the Local Building Commission and the geodata service run by the Depart- ment of Communal Services. European and international affairs 2018 35
Diversity Education in Munich – Fit in action in Munich for Europe, fit for the world
As part of an internal communication campaign, por- traits of local government staff with a migration back- The City of Munich shoulders responsibility for ground were posted on the intranet and published in a promoting democratic coexistence by means of brochure back in 2017 under the working title “Book of innovation, sustainability and connectedness. For Intercultural Stories”. Fascinating accounts gave their a number of years, one aspect of this commitment colleagues a chance to get to know them better, and has involved raising awareness of social and politi- thus to help eradicate prejudices and fears. Ultimately, cal challenges among its junior staff and giving behind every migration story we simply find a human them hands-on experience of the diversity – and being like you or I. In the year under review, the stories the resultant opportunities – that Europe affords. were also published on the Internet and made acces- sible to a wider audience. Supported by funds from the Erasmus+ education programme, City of Munich students each spent three months at universities in either Jaén, Nice, Viterbo, Tallinn, Borganes or Hradec. For the ele- venth time, several trainees also completed a three-week internship as part of an exchange pro- gramme with the municipal administration in Vienna. Even without official funding and subsi- dies, however, a number of local government stu- dents organised internship stays at local administ- rations around the world on their own initiative. In this way, the budding administrators thus gained valuable experience in places such as Merano, Brussels, Zagreb and Zurich. Those of a more adventurous inclination did the same in Cincinnati, Florida, Hollywood, Houston, Tbilisi, Bangkok and a series of other global cities.
Munich’s local government also aims to further increase the proportion of trainees with a migra- The individuals thus portrayed all have their roots in tion background. To this end, a raft of marketing different cultures: Italy, Spain, Chile, Japan, Turkey, activities and multilingual information materials wherever. But what brought them to Munich? What were designed to attract young locals with a mig- personal and professional events have influenced the ration background – and to convince their parents – course of their life? What obstacles did they have to to sign up as trainees with the City of Munich. overcome? New stories are being added all the time. In 2018, around 28 percent of new administrative They document the diversity – and the vast potential – recruits had a migration background. of the people who already enrich our local government.
More information: muenchen.de/rathaus 36 European and international affairs 2018
Refugee-related development work
The City of Munich is consistently expanding its develop- Debate about the causes of flight ment policy commitments, concentrating primarily on the What factors influence the decision to flee from one’s situation in the countries from which refugees flee and the home? What opportunities are there to combat the countries that take them in. In adopting this policy, the causes of flight? And where are the limits? What Bavarian capital is responding to a global situation in which approaches are already being pursued? These were the more than 65 million people are currently displaced. questions addressed at a panel discussion in mid-June. The panel comprised Kevin Borchers (Engagement Alongside specific cooperation projects with local Global/Service Agency Communities in One World), authorities in the Middle East and North Africa, Sadija Klepo (“Hilfe von Mensch zu Mensch” [“People Munich’s objective is to build bridges between organi- Help People”]), Anke Schuster (European Commission) sations engaged in development policy and working and Dr. Kathrin Köller (advisor to the UN on develop- with refugees – and to more actively involve refugees ment aid and refugee affairs). All the guests agreed themselves in the work of sustainable development. that prevention is the key: crisis prevention to avoid Refugee-related development work has been the focal another Syria, but above all forward-looking and early- point of activities by a coordination unit at the Euro- stage development policy commitment in order to pre- pean Affairs and International Cooperation Team, a vent and mitigate climate change, for example, in order subset of the Department of Labor and Economic to avoid new causes of flight such as environmental Development, since December 2016. The coordination disasters, droughts and flooding. Invitations were unit is co-financed by Engagement Global, using funds issued by the Department of Labor and Economic from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation Development’s European Affairs and International and Development. Cooperation Team in collaboration with the Europe Direct Information Centre in Munich. Survey In summer 2018, a survey of the Munich actors invol- Congress ved in refugee-related development work was commis- Under the heading “Munich’s global commitments: sioned. This survey was part of a nationwide SKEW migration, flight and development cooperation”, a con- project entitled “Networking Forums – Fleeing to One gress for organisations actively involved in the work of World”. It served to collate experience gained with and the One World agency, development policy, migrant potential for refugee-related development work in organisations and work with refugees was held on Munich, but also to gauge interest in and demand for November 16, 2018. About 60 organisations took part, collaboration and networking. It laid the foundation for debating how people with and without a migration a concept that the City of Munich plans to flesh out in background can work together in the context of educa- 2019 to establish closer links between refugee-related tion, international projects and repatriation assistance. and development policy activities in the future. The congress highlighted the scope of engagement among civic society actors in Munich. It also underscored the keen interest that exists in closer European and international affairs 2018 37
cooperation with local government and the need vocational qualifications. A study of market potential, for more ways to share dialogue and experiences. demand and feasibility issues was conducted on loca- The congress was organised by the City of Munich, tion in autumn 2018. Based on its findings, a project Munich’s North South Forum and the MORGEN development workshop was then held in Gharb Irbid in (“Tomorrow”) network, with the support of Engage- December 2018, involving the partner municipality, ment Global/Service Agency Communities in One educational institutions and representatives of civic World and the Volunteering Academy. society, the business community and the target group. Munich’s participation is led by the Department of Cooperation projects Labor and Economic Development, accompanied by Inclusive planning of open spaces in Kasserine the Department of Education and Sport and two local The Tunisian city of Kasserine plans to redesign a pub- educational projects, Diakonie Hasenbergl (for social lic park as a place of encounter for the local popula- welfare work) and the A 24 Workshops. These measu- tion – and to do so with active civic participation. res were funded via Engagement Global’s “Quick Munich’s local government has a wide range of experi- Launch Package 1 Middle East”. ence with civic participation and is advising the munici- pality of Kasserine on implementation of its project. The goal is to improve the quality of life in the small town and encourage Tunisia’s still young democracy. On a visit to Munich by the Deputy Mayor of Kasserine, the Chief Urban Planner and a member of the adminis- trative staff in July 2018, ongoing plans for the project (commence in 2017) were discussed. In November 2018, representatives of Munich’s Department of Urban Planning and Building Regulations then travelled to Kasserine to accompany the first major civic partici- pation workshop, where local residents were very keen to share their ideas for the public park’s redesign. The project is part of the programme “Municipal know- ledge transfer Maghreb-Germany”. It is backed by Engagement Global/Service Agency Communities in One World and GIZ (the German Society for Internatio- nal Cooperation).
Access to vocational qualifications for locals and refugees in Gharb Irbid Inaugural conference The Jordanian town of Gharb Irbid has taken in a very large number of refugees. Together with its local admi- for German-Lebanese nistration, the City of Munich is developing a coopera- tion project to strengthen the Jordanian municipality municipalities and give both refugees and local residents access to Some 100 representatives of more than 30 Lebanese and German municipalities attended the first German-Lebanese muni- cipal partnership conference from Febru- ary 27 till March 1, 2018. Organised by Engagement Global, the conference sought to pave the way to partnerships between German and Lebanese municipa- lities. The proceedings were opened by Deputy Mayor Josef Schmid. An accom- panying programme informed the Leba- nese visitors about Munich’s waste management concept and its fire preven- tion measures. The delegates also visited the city’s urban drainage facilities. In the course of the conference, the local fire department, the Department of Labor and Economic Development’s European Affairs and International Cooperation Team and the locally based Verein Orient- helfer organisation talked to the Lebanese municipalities about possibilities for cooperation on fire prevention in refugee camps. Working together for the climate
Local governments are becoming key players in development cooperation efforts to combat the consequences of climate change. Cities both set up in Cape Town to inform people about climate- cause and suffer from climate change. Yet at the friendly building and living. In both cities, effective PR same time, municipal authorities provide crucial activities are also being designed and implemented to stimulus for rethinking in the direction of a susta- encourage the greater use of cycling. inable, climate-friendly society. Harare In full accord with UN agreements, the City of Munich Munich has long been twinned with Harare, the capital is committed to upholding its responsibility for sustai- of Zimbabwe. Since 2017, one aspect of this partner- nable development. It therefore actively seeks to miti- ship has again involved experts collaborating to map gate climate change. Three partner projects concern out a joint plan of action to mitigate climate change themselves with what local government can do and and adapt to its consequences. The focus here is on with the impact of climate change. Each one – with sustainable mobility. The cooperative ventures with the Asháninka people, in Cape Town and in Harare – Cape Town and Harare are both anchored in the Muni- is pursuing a widely differing approach. cipal Climate Partnerships programme backed by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation Asháninka and Development (BMZ). Munich has been committed to a climate partnership with the indigenous Asháninka people in the Peruvian Other projects designed to share and exchange munici- rainforest since 1997. The partnership has a symbiotic pal expertise also benefit climate policy. Specialists for nature: Munich supports the Asháninka in protecting technical environmental protection in the context of the rainforest and preserving their home region. In water and waste management earn qualifications at return, visits to Munich by Asháninka delegations the Romanian Aquademica Foundation, for example. make an important contribution to raising awareness in In cooperation with actors from civic society, Munich the Bavarian capital. EU-funded projects relating to the is also helping its twin city Kiev to enhance its portfolio Climate Alliance of European Cities with Indigenous of advice and tuition offerings on energy efficiency. Rainforest Peoples makes it possibly this development Climate partnerships acquire even greater significance policy education work. in light of worldwide refugee flows involving over 65 million displaced persons: A commitment to develop- Cape Town ment policy to mitigate climate change and adapt to its Since 2013, the climate partnership with Cape Town consequences is vital to prevent environmental disas- has adopted a different approach. Here, experts from ters, droughts and flooding from triggering new waves both local authorities are working together to develop of refugees. strategies and specific municipal actions to mitigate and master the consequences of climate change. A Smart Building and Living Centre, for example, is to be European and international affairs 2018 39
Cooperation between Munich and Harare
Mitigating climate change and A geoinformation system targeting sustainable mobility for Harare form the current focus of The findings of the preceding “Geo- cooperation between Munich information system for Harare” and its long-standing partner project will also directly benefit the city Harare. The two cities have new cooperative venture. In the since 2017 been part of the current project, which is also fun- Municipal Climate Partnerships ded by the BMZ, Munich’s Depart- programme launched by ment of Communal Services Germany’s Federal Ministry for advised and provided training to its Economic Cooperation and opposite numbers in Harare on the Development (BMZ). The pro- issue of how digital geodata can be gramme helps municipal part- harnessed usefully and effectively ners to develop joint plans for local government purposes. of action to mitigate climate Geoinformation systems are impor- change. tant tools of modern municipal administration. They are useful in all Experts from the two cities met in matters pertaining to land and pro- Harare in January and in Munich in perty and for municipal services July. They had three goals: to learn such as water and waste manage- about the status quo and the chal- ment. They also facilitate integrated lenges in either city, to flesh out the urban development planning. Alt- specific topics for collaboration and hough the project officially came to to formulate initial project ideas. An an end in June 2018, the experts in agreement was reached to concen- both cities agreed to stay in touch trate on Harare’s mobility sector for and will continue to share dialogue the time being. This sprawling city on electronic traffic planning maps. faces enormous challenges, with unstructured public transport and practically no regular bus lines. Fuel-hungry minibuses that take up a lot of space predominate. Owning your own car is regarded as a sta- tus symbol, while public transport and bicycles are seen as makeshift solutions for the poor. But Harare wants to make its urban mobility more sustainable. Local govern- ment sees smooth-running public transport not just as a contribution “Munich for to climate policy, but also as an important element in ensuring Harare” celebrates social justice, quality of life and economic development. Munich 20th anniversary wants to help its partner city to draft a mobility master plan which The charity arm of the two cities‘ partnership – also takes account of the strategies “Munich for Harare” – was established exactly adopted by other African cities with 20 years ago on the initiative of Munich City comparable problems. Pilot projects Councillors. This association collects donations for to deploy scheduled bus services social projects in the Zimbabwean capital. Its assis- will be one aspect of cooperation, tance helps organise schooling for deprived families as will campaigns and strategies to and orphans, HIV care and education, and vocatio- promote cycling. Alongside the nal qualifications. One important source of revenue planning departments of both local is the annual after-work party for charity which – governments and universities in even in its 13th year – has clearly lost nothing of its both cities, two environmental attraction. On December 6, some 800 guests joined organisations – Environment Africa numerous volunteer helpers from the local adminis- in Harare and Green City in tration to celebrate and raise money for this good Munich – are also involved. cause in the Old Town Hall. 40 European and international affairs 2018
Munich-Cape Town climate partnership
As part of a climate partnership that dates back to 2014, Munich and Cape Town are developing strategies and projects to mitigate climate change and encourage climate- friendly behaviour among their res- pective populations. The partnership was initiated by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) under the aegis of its Municipal Climate Partnerships programme.
“We want our cities to be more resource-efficient, liveable and inclusive.” Guided by this shared vision, Munich and Cape Town have resolved to pursue a joint plan of action comprising five areas for cooperation: sustainable building and living, renewable energy, ecofriendly traffic, urban river corri- dors and public procurement and consumption. To enable the action plan to be implemented, the BMZ has approved funding for two pro- jects within the framework of a development programme for muni- cipal climate change mitigation and climate adaptation projects. With
expert support from Munich’s A cooperative agreement was thus Department of Health and Environ- reached between Cape Town and ment, part of this money is being the organisations represented, simi- used to set up a smart building and lar to the one which already applies living centre – a centre of excel- in Munich. In addition, a major cyc- lence for energy-efficient construc- ling route is planned along a river in tion, forward-looking housing deve- a former township (the Kuilsriver lopment and sustainable lifestyles. Project). Planning focused on safety for cyclists and pedestrians as well The second project is tackling as on the renaturation of the river. ecofriendly traffic. To this end, Cape Town is seeking to develop and pro- mote cycling – an area in which it sees huge potential to curb the city’s daily traffic congestion issues, the associated consumption of fossil fuels and the resultant burden on the environment. An April work- shop in Cape Town was used to discuss specific measures for the South African city. It was attended by local government representati- ves from Cape Town and Munich as well as by non-governmental orga- nisations with an interest in cycling. European and international affairs 2018 41
Emergency relief for climate partners in Peru
Huge floods and mudslides swept tion work. Due to persistent extreme wea- over Peru in 2017, also affecting ther conditions in Peru in 2017, the buil- Munich’s climate partners – the indi- ding work had to be suspended until the genous Asháninka people – in the end of the rainy season in April 2018, central rainforest. In response to a above all to allow the timber to be stored request from Peru, the Munich City and dried. In 2018, the families were Council approved humanitarian disas- then able to lay the foundations – mostly ter relief in the amount of EUR 20,000 on concrete piles with raised floors – in May 2017. This important financial aid and to complete the majority of the tim- was used to help rebuilding homes for ber frames and corrugated iron roofs. 80 families in three village communities The houses are now habitable. Reg- in the district of Rio Tambo in the Junín rettably, despite repeated inquiries by the region of the Amazon rainforest. families and the project partner, the local administra- tion failed to provide the technical construction assis- Also in 2017, Imperita, the non-governmental organi- tance it had promised. Local government elections sation (NGO) which made the request to Munich, sig- were held in Peru in October 2018, and the new mayor ned a written cooperation agreement with the local of Rio Tambo has already committed to supporting authority in Rio Tambo and the indigenous CART completion of all the houses. Imperita used the money organisation. The local mayor agreed to supply buil- from Munich for building materials (corrugated iron for ding materials and technical expertise to help with the the roofing) and tools for the three villages. building work for the families worst affected. How ever, protracted negotiations and lengthy delays meant that it was a long time before the villagers actually received this support for the timber construc-
Change the Power – (Em)Power to Change
Cities and municipalities give their backing to logue with indigenous peoples in the the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Amazon basin, and so on. All project climate justice, with a focus on renewable energy partners are implementing their own and resource-friendly behaviour. activities, organising events and work- shops and taking part in the campaign For the third time in a row, the Department of Health “A good life is simple”. In July, the and Environment took part in an EU project targeting campaign was on display for two educational work on the 2030 Agenda and on global weeks on 300 city light posters in pub- interdependencies. Entitled “Change the Power – (Em) lic spaces and on media screens and Power to Change”, the project runs from 2018 to 2021 postcards in cafes and restaurants. and focuses on renewable energy and resource-friendly The 20 project partners also worked behaviour. Cities and municipalities play a pivotal role together to programme an online tool in the issue of power supply: In their capacity as both to help save CO2. provider and consumer, they can set and example and play a key role in realising SDG 7. The direct correlation All project partners are also showing between development and energy has become a politi- the film “Countdown on the Xingu”, cal priority at the latest since the Paris Agreement and which documents the construction of the 2030 Agenda were defined. To help municipalities the Belo Monte dam in Brazil. The City operate in this role and to advance the transformation of Munich showed it on October 14 as of our world, the Climate Alliance joined with 20 part- part of its “Climate Autumn” event, combined with a ners from eleven countries to initiate the development public debate involving film director Martin Kessler. policy education project “Change the Power – (Em) Each project partner is also planning further actions of Power to Change: Local Authorities for the SDGs and its own. In July 2019, for example, Munich will host a Climate Justice”. Between now and 2021, cities, regi- convention on the benefits of renewable energy that ons and organisations from all over Europe will be wor- will also be attended by delegates from Peru and South king together on the following topics and areas: locali- Africa. An exhibition is planned for 2020. sing the Sustainable Development Goals, developing a renewable and decentralised energy supply, engaging in development policy education work, forging net- works at the local and regional levels, engaging in dia- First aid training
Munich‘s fire department talked to Kiev about first aid in spring 2018, offering training courses to repre- sentatives of the Samaritan Association, the Red Cross, the fire service and the municipal emergency services in Kiev. In life-threatening emergency situa- tions, care has up to now only been provided by medical staff in Ukraine. First aid administered by lay people – a common occurrence in Germany – is very rare. However, attempts are now being made to change and intensify cooperation between various organisations. With this in mind, discussions centred around better opportunities to cooperate. A training concept was also presented and participants recei- ved training as multipliers. This form of dialogue was made possible by support from the “Bridge to Kiev” association, Munich‘s fire department and the Cooperative ventures Department of Labor and Economic Development‘s European Affairs and International Cooperation with twin city Kiev Team.
The partnership between Munich and Kiev has been built on many years of close collaboration. The two cities’ work is not restricted to dialogue alone, but also embraces strategic KievPride approaches and improvements to local government culture with a view to a citizen-friendly municipality. In 2018, a delegation from Munich once again travelled to the Ukrainian capital for the annual KievPride Energy efficiency project teaching and communication march. For the seventh year in suc- successfully completed methods tailored to relevant target cession, City Councillor Lydia Diet- groups. Based on these measures, rich represented the City of Munich. Both in per-capita terms and based flyers and posters have been produ- The parade was a success: Over a on its economic output, Ukraine is ced and a website has been develo- distance of 1.5 kilometres, 5,000 one of the most energy-inefficient ped. Munich’s participation invol- people – protected by 5,000 police – countries in the world. Aware of ved the Department of Labor and demonstrated for the rights of gays, this, Kiev, Munich’s twin city, sets Economic Development’s European lesbians, bisexuals and transsexu- great store by improving its energy Affairs and International Coopera- als. Despite counter-protests by efficiency. In cooperation with tion Team, the Department of Envi- right-wing and orthodox religious actors in civic society, the City of ronment and Health’s Bauzentrum groups, there were no violent Munich has therefore spent two (Construction Centre) and Women attacks on the KievPride demonstra- and a half years helping its partner Engage for a Common Future tors – a first! As ever year, activists city to broaden the range of energy (WECF). The project was 90 percent from Kiev returned the compliment efficiency advisory services and funded by Engagement Global/Ser- by attending Christopher Street Day skills on offer. The results speak for vice Agency Communities in One (CSD) in Munich, which attracted themselves. World out of money from the Fede- over 100,000 people. While they ral Ministry for Economic Coopera- were here, they also met with a In the course of the project, the tion and Development. large number of local groups and Kiev Network of Energy Efficient associations, the Ukrainian Consul- Competences (KNEEC) was estab- General and Dieter Reiter, Mayor of lished as a professional energy con- Munich. Cooperation between CSD sultant and service provider to citi- and KievPride began in 2012 and is zens, tenants, facility managers, subsidised by the Department of companies and local authorities. Arts and Culture. The network also provides instruc- tion to its members, of which it now boasts more than 30: Repre- sentatives of heating firms, energy consultants and engineers are all now part of the network. Beyond that, a communication concept has been developed to encourage local residents to develop an interest in energy efficiency measures, but also to introduce experts to modern
44 European and international affairs 2018
EUROCITIES 2018
The EUROCITIES Annual Conference in 2018 focused in particular on the European creative industries, civic participation and young people’s contribution to the future of Europe. Munich’s various municipal departments play an active part in focused forums and working groups.
EUROCITIES Annual Conference 2018 The EUROCITIES Annual Conference 2018 took place in Edinburgh from November 28 – 30. Its motto? “Crea- tive Competitive Cities”. The conference focused on Speed networking sessions on November 29 how culture and creativity contribute to successful, During the speed-networking session, the Department inclusive and prosperous cities with a high quality of of Urban Planning and Building Regulations reported life. Around 500 participants representing more than on the EU project LOS_DAMA! to develop peri-urban 120 cities attended, as did about 100 politicians. Newly landscapes and open spaces. The main focus was on elected Deputy Mayor Manual Pretzl headed Munich’s the landscape governance role play which young delegation, which also included six City Councillors adults developed during the LOS_DAMA! autumn from the European Affairs Commission – Kathrin Abele, school. The young EUROCITIES ambassadors who Anja Berger, Ulrike Boesser, Sonja Haider, Gabriele Neff attended this speed-networking session alongside and Dr. Manuela Olhausen – as well as Kristina Frank mayors officers were especially interested in how to from the Communal Services Department, Stefanie apply the role play in practice. The aim is to enhance Jacobs from the Department of Health and Environ- everyday landscapes in (Alpine) metropolitan areas. ment and representatives of the other municipal departments. This year’s conference focused on six The Cities4Europe campaign parallel “creative conversations”, each of which cen- Civic engagement and the future of Europe were two tred around three key aspects: more central topics at the Annual Conference. At a time when Europe is striving to retain its legitimacy 1. Involving citizens in cultural projects to promote and relevance in the face of growing disillusionment social integration and strengthen the public’s role in and euro-scepticism, cities can be a crucial link in sha- decisions affecting their communities and life prospects ping the future of the continent. The campaign “Cities- 2. Inspiring new partnerships and models to maximise 4Europe – Europe for citizens” was launched by EURO- potential in the creative sector CITIES in May 2018. Since then, over 90 member cities 3. Understanding the impact of culture and creativity have organised more than 200 events to demonstrate on inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Deputy how working with citizens can change the way in Mayor Pretzl took part in the creative conversation which Europe “does politics”. Anyone is free to submit “Impact – The Transformative Power Of Culture” their ideas to www.cities4europe.eurocities.eu or on together with the mayors of Ljubljana, postcards available at the events. The City of Munich Heraklion, Mannheim and Florence. One has been actively involved in this initiative, especially of several issues he addressed was how by organising its own #munich4EUROPE campaign, and why Munich supports the creative which it unveiled in Edinburgh (see page 8 ff.). and cultural industries. EUROCITIES Declaration on Citizens’ Engagement In the Scottish capital, Munich’s Deputy Mayor Manuel Pretzl joined with dozens of other mayors and political representatives of European cities – including Ghent, Stockholm and Edinburgh itself – in signing the EURO- CITIES Declaration on Citizens’ Engagement. The sig- natory cities pledge to involve citizens in a dialogue about their common future, inspire all levels of govern- ment to create societies where people come first and impact the way decisions are taken in Europe. European and international affairs 2018 45
Waste policy working group
On July 4, a total of four amen- On September 13, 2018, the EU Par- Commission’s Circular Economy ding directives to what is liament voted on a non-legislative stakeholder platform. More than known as the “European waste strategy for plastic waste in the cir- 100 trade visitors stopped by at package” came into force. The cular economy. In this plastics strat- AWM’s stand at IFAT. Moreover, member states now have two egy, the EU Commission wants all AWM welcomed visits by more years in which to translate the plastic packaging marketed in the than 50 delegations from over provisions of the directive into EU to be reusable or recyclable in 20 countries in 2018. The most national law. cost-efficient ways by 2030. AWM important topic during these visits again accompanied the discussion was the organisation and technical What may sound trivial as a news of this strategy via its various implementation of Munich’s waste item is in fact the result of a pro- bodies. management concept. Going for- cess of coordination over more ward, AWM will continue its Euro- than five years in which Munich’s As in recent years, AWM’s lobbying pean activities to uphold waste waste management utility AWM calendar was once again well filled management as a local public ser- was involved both directly and via in 2018. Stakeholder dialogue con- vice. In addition, it will remain in the Association of Municipal Com- cerning the European circular eco- close dialogue with actors in the panies (VKU), the EUROCITIES net- nomy was complemented by three European circular economy and will work and the umbrella organisation meetings of EUROCITIES’ waste continue to share best-practice Municipal Waste Europe. Here are policy working group, meetings of examples. the most important amendments: the VKU Technical Committee on Europe and an EU Commission • 65 percent of residential waste is workshop. During the IFAT interna- to be recycled by 2035. tional environment industry trade • Only 10 percent of waste can still fair in Munich, AWM also organi- be dumped in landfills by then. sed two trips to the Halle 2 used • A harmonised calculation method goods department store as “partner is to be used for the recycling events” to the Green Week in Brus- quota. sels. Halle 2 today ranks as a best- practice example on the EU
Young ambassadors giving them a forum in which to collaborate on To mark Scotland’s “Year of the developing and prototyping new ideas Young 2018”, the members of – In the “Participation” category: Oulu with the EUROCITIES were invited to each “Chaos Challenge” project, which each year challenges bring one young ambassador along citizens to develop ideas for ways to make Oulu more to the Annual Conference. Franz- attractive to people in the 15 to 29-year age bracket. Josef Möller, Munich’s young ambassador, was chosen in a com- EUROCITIES Presidency and petition as part of the Executive Committee #munich4EUROPE campaign. All Delegates to the conference also took part in the elec- 60 young ambassadors from over tion of the new EUROCITIES President and members of 50 European cities played an impor- the Executive Committee, which is always composed tant role at the conference. Some of politicians from twelve cities. The new EUROCITIES of them prepared the debates, President is Anna König Jerlmyr, Mayor of Stockholm. others took part in them. One high- The Vice President is Dario Nardella, Mayor of Florence. light was an on-stage discussion The cities of Barcelona, Ghent, Leipzig and Ljubljana with Scottish Prime Minister Nicola were re-elected as members of the Executive Com Sturgeon. mittee.
EUROCITIES awards 2018 In the year under review, the EUROCITIES awards revolved around the topic of Creative Competitive Cities. The winners were as follows: – In the “Cooperation” category: Leeds with the “Leeds 2023” project, which aims to harness culture and creativity to transform the city’s economy – In the “Innovation” category: Ljubljana with the “RogLab” project, which brings entrepreneurs and creative professionals together, supporting them and 46 European and international affairs 2018
EUROCITIES forums and working groups
Economic Develop- the contribution that this kind of issues that are also ecosystem can make to sharpen highly topical in ment Forum a region’s competitive edge. At a Munich at the pre- meeting of the Forum in Braga, sent time. In addition, The Department of Labor and Eco- Portugal, Munich City Councillor the gathering prepa- nomic Development’s European Dr. Manuela Olhausen emphasised red EUROCITIES’ res- Affairs Team represents Munich in that municipal investments are one ponse to what is the EUROCITIES Economic Deve- important way to reinforce the referred to the “fit- lopment Forum. The department structure of the economy and boost ness check” for the works together with other European long-term economic development. EU’s air quality direc- cities in the two working groups for The Councillor pointed out that tive: The paper was “Entrepreneurship” and “Innova- expanding and preserving the gene- forwarded to the tion”. The “Entrepreneurship” wor- ral business infrastructure is not the European Commis- king group explores how public ins- only important aspect: The example sion in July. In Octo- titutions can provide effective of Munich shows that municipal ber, the Environment support to start-up entrepreneurs housing construction and ongoing Forum convened as they seek to implement their development of the school system again, this time in business ideas and successfully too play a key function in advancing Tampere, to focus on establish their companies on the and improving the business hub. low-emission cities market. Migrants and entrepre- for cleaner air and climate mitiga- neurs were identified as important tion. More than 130 delegates from groups for public involvement. 44 cities were there. The point was Munich’s local government has Environment made that cities need more funding launched successful programmes Forum to meet the targets set by the Paris to support the development of inno- Agreement. As a general rule, cities vative start-ups and build a regional are looking to reduce greenhouse start-up network. The next step is In April, the Environment Forum in gas emissions in the context of to support the dynamic growth of Amsterdam applied itself to the energy, transport and buildings. these firms and help them become topic “Towards circular cities: how Sustainable transport should move established in the longer term. The we make it work”. The “Air quality, towards fewer and cleaner vehicles. “Innovation” working group con- climate change and energy effici- The 60 participants at the “Air qua- cerns itself with regional coopera- ency” working group too seized the lity, climate change and energy tion between cities, companies, opportunity to convene, with efficiency” working group were business services and research Munich’s Department of Health and presented with examples mostly organisations. This kind of coopera- Environment in attendance. The from Finland. tion is of huge significance to the subjects addressed included generation of innovations. Selected e‑mobility in Amsterdam and low- examples from Munich illustrated cost air pollution sensors – both
Urban Agenda working group
In EUROCITIES’ Urban Agenda wor- the Committee of the Regions, pre- vant legislation. With this in mind, king group, the cities pooled their sented his draft report on the Urban Munich pointed out that EUROCI- experience with a new kind of colla- Agenda, which largely backs the TIES should more closely accom- borative process involving the cities cities’ positions. Ultimately, the pany the development of a Leipzig themselves, EU member states and experiences shared at the working Charter 2.0, which is being prepared the European Commission. When group meeting was likewise chan- with a view to Germany’s presi- the working group met in Brussels in nelled into the Committee of the dency of the European Council in June, it became apparent that suf- Regions’ paper and into the EURO- the second half of 2020. The Bava- ficient attention is not always paid to CITIES position paper on the Urban rian capital believes that the Urban the cities’ concerns even in the con- Agenda. It is exceptionally important Agenda process and the (new) gui- text of Urban Agenda partnerships. to utilise the partnership process to delines embodied in the Leipzig That makes it all the more important bring about a change in the culture Charter should dovetail more closely for them to engage in dialogue and of cooperation between the Euro- and continue to be developed in the speak with one voice to the Euro- pean level and cities. Furthermore, interests of the cities. pean Commission and the member the results achieved by the partner- states. At the working group mee- ships must also be followed up and More information: ting, Kieran McCarthy, a member of reinforced in order to improve rele- news.eurocities.eu European and international affairs 2018 47
Working group on Mobility Forum
“Migration and The Mobility Forum meeting took tion capabilities, thereby making them integration” place in Prague in April. The European sustainable. Especially in cities, trans- Commission already proclaimed 2018 port and mobility need to be cleaner, The UN’s Global Compact for Migra- as the “Year of Multimodality” in the more efficient and accessible to all tion (GCM) comprises 23 objectives context of mobility and transport, and users. Reports on projects and experi- and is designed to ensure safe, orderly the meeting took this motto as their ence gained with new approaches to and regular migration. The Compact cue. Discussions focused on varying urban traffic were presented in the was ratified at the UN General Assem- local approaches to multimodal links working groups. Examples include bly in Marrakech on December 11 and between different forms of mobility in parking management in Lille, smart now sets the standards by which mig- large European cities. The Depart- mobility projects in Burgas and the ration between countries worldwide is ment of Urban Planning attended first urban cable car project in the to be governed. On December 8, a the meetings of the working French city of Brest. The meeting Mayors’ Declaration on this subject groups for “Trans-European showed a keen interest in the City of was ratified in Marrakech by the mem- transport networks” and Munich’s report on the Integrated bers of this working group, including “Smart and connected Plan of Action to Promote Munich’s Social Services Department. mobility”. The former pre- E‑Mobility in Munich”. Above Drawing on contributions by a large sented the success- all, plans to ramp up the number of cities, with Munich among ful application for charging infrastructure them, the third edition of the report the EU project from 250 charging sta- “Cities and Migrants – Implementing “Vital Nodes”, tions today to more the Integrating Cities Charter” was whose focus is than 500 by 2020 produced, published and, in October, on optimising made a lasting presented at the Integrating Cities the links bet- impression on the Conference in Milan. Under the aegis ween inner-city audience from other of EUROCITIES, numerous cities also transport networks (the “last mile”) European cities, as did plans to raise signed up for the Solidarity Cities initi- and the long-distance transport routes the volume of journeys covered by ative, including Athens, Barcelona, that make up the Trans-European net- bicycle in Munich to 18 percent, coup- Berlin, Brussels, Leipzig, Manchester, works. The project will begin by com- led with a decline in the proportion of Nicosia, Turin, Vienna and Warsaw. piling a comparable database (and journeys completed using motor The initiative was proposed by the City hence a clear overview) of existing vehicles to 34 percent. of Athens, which serves as Vice Presi- inner-city systems. The City of Munich dent of the “Migration and integration” supported the application for funding, In the “Barrier-free city for all” working working group. Since then, more and and Munich will be one of the cities group, representatives of 16 cities and more cities have been overtly standing studied in the project’s second phase. three other organisations met together against European isolationist policies The working group devoted to “Smart for the 18th time. The Social Services and restrictive attitudes toward refu- and connected mobility” concerned Department attended on behalf of gees. Instead, they give their backing itself with automated and autonomous Munich. Implementing the UN Con- to solidarity and a humanitarian refu- driving. A test bed for autonomous dri- vention on the Rights of Persons with gee policy. They also demand a say in ving is to be developed in Gothenburg. Disabilities to make the individual the acceptance of refugees. Their aim Gothenburg, Vienna and Stockholm cities barrier-free was one of the focal is also to strengthen the EU’s policy of want to incorporate this topic in their topics. Led by the French city of striving to work together on resolving strategic transport planning. Conside- Cerema, experts from Ghent, Berlin, refugee movements as a European rable interest was generated by the Prague, Dresden and the French pro- theme, for example by distributing fact that, as part of a consortium in ject group “GIS and Accessibility” also refugees across all member states. the Munich region, the Department of showcased current applications to On this score, the cities are generally Urban Planning has submitted an identify barriers in public spaces by showing greater initiative than national application for an autonomous driving using open data portals. Other issues governments. In line with the princi project to the Federal Ministry of raised by the working group included ples of the initiative, the cities are hel- Transport and Digital Infrastructure. the City of Dresden’s “Accessibility” ping each other with integration pro- Vienna will monitor the working information portal, possible applica- jects and pooling their experience. group’s ongoing dialogue on the sub- tions for mobile data capture on public In other cases, cities are already att- ject of automated and autonomous streets and the question of how the empting to nurture more humane driving, in which Munich is keen to preservation of historic buildings can dealings with refugees, for instance in play a part. The EUROCITIES autumn be reconciled to the needs of accessi- the provision of healthcare to people mobility meeting was held in Burgas, bility. with no papers, and in protecting refu- Bulgaria, in September. Here, about 75 gees from expulsion without valid legal participants debated new approaches reasons. to and smart solutions for mobility in smart cities. All cities face the chal- More information: lenge of aligning conventional structu- eurocities.eu und res, networks and services with solidarycities.eu today’s communication and digitalisa- Social Affairs Forum
The first EUROCITIES Social Forum in 2018 was hosted Building Regulations and the Social Services Depart- by Utrecht in March. The Social Development Goals ment. The City of Vienna has been charing the (SDGs; see page 15) and housing were the key issues “Housing” working group for many years and coordi- addressed. Around 130 delegates from about 50 cities nating the “Urban Agenda for the EU” partnership on took part, with the Social Services Department repre- the same subject. During Austria’s presidency of the senting the City of Munich. Laia Ortiz, Deputy Mayor European Council in the second half of 2018, it brought of Barcelona and Chairperson of the Social Forum, together political, administrative, research and front- stressed that global issues can be resolved only by line experts to explore how affordable housing can be working together, and not without the involvement of made possible in growing European cities. Affordable cities. The keynote address delivered by UN Executive living space – defined as a situation where housing Director Dr. Joan Clos and the numbers it contained accounts for between 25 and 33 percent of a made the same point with abundant clarity: Dr. Clos household’s income – is becoming ever more scarce in reported, for example, that 60 percent of the world’s a number of European cities, especially in London and population currently lives in cities, but that projected Munich, both of which are experiencing exorbitant growth in this proportion will drive that figure up to rates of expansion. As things stand, finding affordable 75 percent over the next 20 to 30 years. Panel discus- housing is becoming an increasingly difficult challenge sions and speed networking sessions were used to pre- even for households on middle to good incomes. sent examples of the implementation and realisation of the SDGs on location in Utrecht, Malmö, Barcelona Vienna shows the way forward and Stuttgart, for instance. The second major topic Having constantly expanded large municipally owned addressed in Utrecht was housing: Here, the “Housing” stocks of housing, the City of Vienna plays an active and “Homelessness” working groups shifted the focus role in preserving and creating new affordable living to affordable living space and the subject of “moderni- space. One remarkable development was the introduc- sation and rent hikes”. A visit to a new housing estate tion of subsidised housing as a new land use category in Utrecht (see photo in the centre) illustrated the in the city’s building code in November 2018. Vienna’s points raised. By developing only one-room studios in status as a federal state helped it to get this amend- this complex, provision was made for a mix of students, ment passed at the legislative level. In areas subject to the former occupants of youth facilities and asylum this definition, the general aim is to create subsidised seekers. housing with basic rents of no more than five euros per square metre. The relatively high income thresholds for Affordable housing eligibility – around EUR 85,000 as the net income for a Two further housing-focused events were held in household of two adults and two children, for example – Vienna in December. One was the conference “Housing sets an example for others to follow. Like the Munich for All – Affordable Housing in Growing Cities in Europe” model, this “Viennese model” targets a broad mix of on December 4-5; the other was a joint meeting of the residential groups in urban districts. With a dense floor “Homelessness” and “Housing” working groups, space ratio of as much as 3.6 in conjunction with which concentrated on “avoiding evictions and homel- plenty open spaces, Vienna’s Sonnenwend neighbour- essness”. Munich was represented in the Austrian hood surrounding the new railway station (see photo at capital by both the Department of Urban Planning and top right) presents itself as an attractive new urban European and international affairs 2018 49
Social rights for all The second Social Forum – in Stuttgart in October 2018 – was then devoted wholly to the SDGs. The motto was: “Working together for socially sustainable cities: Anchoring the Sustainable Development Goals to achieve social rights for all”. A range of challenges to cities were debated in panel discussions. The Social Services Department again represented Munich. The restrictions imposed by the laws that govern rental levels and labour market development were cited as a major problem for cities. The SDGs and “social rights as a pillar of European law” enshrine fundamental prin- housing module. The kick-off event for the gathering of ciples that are difficult to implement in reality. There is the “Homelessness” and “Housing” working groups a considerable need to improve accessibility to social took a detailed look at Vienna’s practice. To avoid evic- rights such as paternity leave across Europe. Stuttgart tions and the loss of homes, the Austrian capital has submitted a detailed reported on its experience as the introduced a service under which social workers from first German city to implement the SDGs at the local the Social Services Department intervene at an early level, as well as assessing its own sustainability perfor- stage when the threat of eviction looms due, for mance. Stuttgart also wants to inspire other cities to example, to heavy rent losses. The social outreach place the SDGs at the heart of their development strat- work done by the Homelessness Avoidance unit at egy: The city has to invest EUR 3 million a year in mea- Munich’s Social Services Department was also menti- sures to promote inclusion in schools, barrier-free oned as a model practice in this context. Participants mobility, suitable homes for the elderly and the disab- also had the opportunity to visit a building newly const- led, and both political representation and equal partici- ructed as part of the “Immediate Housing Initiative pation in sporting and cultural activities. Stuttgart also 2016” programme. Barcelona, Birmingham, Glasgow, appointed a Disabled Persons Officer and plans to Ljubljana and Newcastle, too, all outlined what they do create new jobs to employ people with disabilities. and the challenges they face to avoid homelessness, while the other participants supplied feedback and shared their own experience. The cities engaged in a lively discussion of both challenges and factors of suc- cess. One negative aspect is the inadequate stock of social housing and building land. Another is the rapid increase in property prices and the discrepancy bet- ween national legislation and local/municipal circum- stances. The success factors include cooperation bet- ween different authorities, tools to facilitate early intervention and the increased use of data to optimise both demand and resources. 50 European and international affairs 2018
“Public services and public procurement” working group
EUROCITIES’ “Public services and public procure- tive Procurement was a key focus of activities in 2018. ment” working group is committed to maintai- In this area, the working group expedites the transfer ning and reinforcing the high quality of local pub- of important knowledge between the Urban Agenda lic services in Europe. In the year under review, partnership and the EUROCITIES network. Insights and this group focused on accompanying develop- interim findings gained in the partnership were thus ments at European level and engaging in dialogue communicated to a wide audience of interested on those aspects of the EU’s state aid law, procu- EUROCITIES members. Together with representatives rement law and free trade agreements which are of the EU Commission and the EU Parliament, the of relevance to municipalities. group debated current developments, projects and initiatives relating to socially responsible procurement Regarding procurement, the European cities in the and voiced the proposals and interests of the cities. working group share their knowledge and take part in Nantes chairs the working group, which Munich ongoing development of strategic procurement co-chairs. practice. Forging links with the Urban Agenda for the EU and, in particular, with the Partnership for Innova-
“Inclusion through education” working group
Dialogue on equal opportunities in education in Amsterdam
Educational justice and equal opportunities were the key issues addressed by the Amsterdam mee- ting of EUROCITIES’ “Inclusion through education” working group in November. Experts from 20 large European cities visited a selection children, parents, teachers and the To advance the cause of equal of educational institutions and dis- headmaster highlighted the kind of opportunities in education, the cussed solution strategies for cen- support measures that can contri- crucial aspect is to encourage child- tral challenges. Their aim was to bute to equal opportunities, educa- ren right from the outset (especially curb urban segregation and realise tional justice and inclusion at a pri- in learning the language), to invest the goal of inclusion. Iliass El mary school in a segregated urban in educating teachers to give them Hadioui from the Erasmus Univer- neighbourhood. District Chair Tanja a better handle on diversity in sity in Rotterdam presented the Jadnanansing outlined the challen- schools, and for schools to learn transformative program for munici- ges facing her Amsterdam district from each other across the entire pal schools – a school development and talked to the delegates about municipal space. programme designed to promote solution strategies to give better educational justice and equal educational opportunities to child- opportunities in highly diverse ren, young people and families. classrooms. During a visit to the Flevoparkschool, discussions with European and international affairs 2018 51
Council of European CEMR conference on “Equality, Municipalities and Regions diversity and inclusion” in Bilbao, June 11 – 13, 2018 Delegates of the German chapter of the Council of During her tenure as City Councillor representing European Municipalities and Die Grünen/rosa liste, Lydia Dietrich delivered a talk on Regions (CEMR) met in the situation of LGBT* refugees in Munich as part of a Munich on November 19 – 20 session on “Living together in diversity”. At the CEMR to discuss “Municipalities in conference on “Equality, diversity and inclusion”, Europe – A Europe of Munici- Dietrich once again emphasised the importance of the palities”. Around 300 mayors European Charter for Equality of Men and Women and and county commissioners formulated the goal of collecting 2,000 signatures. In who work together under the addition, she challenged the European Commission to aegis of the CEMR spent the two days in Munich deba- step up its commitment to gender equality by develo- ting the position of municipalities and their engage- ping a corresponding strategic orientation. The CEMR ment in Europe. At the end of the meeting, the delega- is the umbrella association under which the German tes elected a new leader: Dr. Frank Mentrup, Mayor section operates. Karlsruhe, thus took over from Georg Huber, County Commissioner for the District of Mühldorf/Inn, as the chapter’s CEMR President. With six months to go to the European elections, Mentrup stressed the impor- tance of municipalities for Europe. In his opening address, Dieter Reiter, Mayor of Munich, made one point abundantly clear: “Munich emphatically stands precisely why we must repeatedly reaffirm our Yes to up for Europe. It is very important to our city to play an Europe.” At four workshops, the delegates discussed active part in cementing European cohesion, further how European activities at home and in Brussels can developing Europe and engaging in dialogue between be improved and how international municipal partner- the municipalities and the EU. That is why we have ships – especially with developing countries – can help taken an active place on the European stage for deca- to advance local development. A mixed workshop des. After seven decades that have given the European involving schoolchildren and delegates addressed the continent an unprecedented period of peace and gro- question of whether young people perceive Europe dif- wing prosperity, European cohesion is sadly under ferently and have different expectations. In closing, the threat. The rapid radicalisation of political life and the delegates ratified the “Munich Declaration” in which surge in anti-European forces in many countries of they call for the deeper involvement of municipalities in Europe are worrying developments. Brexit already European activities and an EU funding policy which, as marks the first step towards disintegration. Which is of 2020, is aligned with local conditions.
“Europe and Young People – Young People in Europe”
Workshop for youngsters at the excellent account of themselves delegates’ meeting at the workshop on “Europe and Young People – Young People in Schoolchildren from Munich met Europe”, adopting positions on the with delegates of the German chap- topics of education, digitalisation, ter of the Council of European environmental protection, integra- Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) tion and migration, climate change to discuss European issues of pivo- mitigation and civic participation. tal importance, as well as tabling They expressed a number of their demands. Youngsters from the demands, including a harmonised middle school in Cincinnatistrasse, pan-European system for bottles schools. The work done by the the municipal Wilhelm Busch with deposits, fast, free and open Munich schoolchildren did not go secondary school, the municipal Internet access, more money for unheard: At the end of the delega- Wilhelm Röntgen secondary projects which tackle child and old tes’ meeting, a number of the cen- school, the municipal Adolf Weber age poverty, equal rights for pedest- tral demands voiced in the work- high school, the municipal technical rians, cyclists and car drivers, indi- shop were voted on and channelled college for design and the munici- vidual integration agreements for into the “Munich Declaration” by pal vocational schools for wholesa- new arrival and Erasmus+ the German chapter of the CEMR lers and car salespersons gave an exchange programmes at all (see page 52). 52 European and international affairs 2018
Munich Declaration of the German chapter of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (RGRE): Municipalites in Europe – A Europe of Municipalities
We, the delegates of the German chapter ted officials constitutes an important ele- 11. to achieve a common design and, (RGRE) of the Council of European Muni- ment in the preservation of robust above all, the harmonised implementation cipalities and Regions (CEMR), represen- municipalities, not only at European level; of policy on asylum, including the pan- ting approximately 800 cities, administra- and affirm our will to play an active part European, solidarity-based distribution of tive districts and municipalities in in shaping the German EU presidency in refugees and the effective protection of Germany, 2020 and, for this reason, call on all cur- the EU’s external borders; rent and future Members of the European 12. to combat the causes of flight, with are united in the conviction that the Parliament, the members of the EU Com- the support of municipalities, and to play European Union has transformed the mission and Germany’s federal govern- a part in sustainably stabilising the situa- centuries’-old struggle for dominance ment tion in regions affected by crisis and in Europe between mutually hostile improving local living conditions; nations – a struggle that cost millions of 1. to recognise the key role played by 13. to assume global responsibility, to human lives – into fraternal cooperation cities, administrative districts and munici- combat the threat to our natural living that has brought us peace and prosperity palities in preparing, shaping, funding and environment and to contribute to easing in the past 70 years; implementing the most important policies the climate crisis and attenuating the are convinced that municipal partner- of the European Union; waste of resources; ships have, since World War II, paved the 2. to significantly strengthen the role of 14. to provide more support for the future way to international understanding and municipalities in shaping future EU poli- “rights and values” programme by raising the preservation of peace in Europe and cies with a view to multi-level gover- the “civic participation and inclusion” worldwide; nance; action plan to one euro per citizen per believe in a strong and unified Europe 3. to institutionalise both the participation year and creating an Erasmus programme rooted in important shared values: demo- of the municipal level of government – by for municipal administrative staff and cracy, human rights, solidarity, gender means of consultations before and during elected officials; equality and respect for the rule of law; the submission of draft laws by the EU 15. to make due provision for young peo- believe that, in a global world, only a Commission – and municipalities’ right to ple and their needs in all relevant areas as strong Europe can represent its interests be heard by the European Parliament; an essential element of society and of in respect of other major players such as 4. to genuinely fulfil their self-imposed municipalities; the USA, China and Russia; obligations to uphold subsidiarity and res- 16. to factor what young people see as condemn the fact that this powerful pect municipalities’ autonomy; key issues – such as migration and integ- idea is today being called into question by 5. to make information about the current ration, environmental protection, the abo- nationalistic forces; state of affairs accessible to municipali- lition of single-use plastics, climate underscore the importance of munici- ties in all phases of European legislation, change and air purity – into the compila- pal partnerships above and beyond including during the trialogue; tion of European agendas; Europe which breathe life into the prin- 6. to ratify an EU budget framework by 17. and to put in place the financial and ciple “think globally – act locally”; 2027 which makes due provision for the legal conditions needed to allow every are convinced that only a Europe which greater importance of the EU and its schoolchild to visit the European insti acts together can master the challenges tasks; tutions once in the course of their of the future, such as climate change, the 7. to ratify a cohesion policy which emb- schooling. scarcity of resources and sustainable races all regions of the EU, enables flexi- development on all continents; ble, resource-based and needs-based believe that, in light of globalisation, a support on the basis of functional spaces, social dimension in Europe can help to and supports the development potential further develop an understanding of the of both urban and rural regions in line European idea among its population; with local necessities; highlight the importance of municipali- 8. to make personnel expenses incurred ties as the bodies responsible for delive- for participation in EU projects essentially ring local public services to around 500 eligible for funding support; million citizens in the EU; 9. to draw on municipal support to strive note that the municipalities in Europe to reinforce dialogue with citizens on play an important role in building opinions European policy issues in order to achieve on European issues and in the ongoing more transparent decisions; development of European directives and 10. to define the Paris Agreement and the ordinances, as they are closest to the UN’s 2030 Agenda as the guiding princip- immediate life circumstances of the peo- les for Europe’s future strategy, with the ple of Europe; involvement of municipalities, in light of are convinced that the pooling of expe- the global dimension of the challenges rience between administrations and elec- we face today; European and international affairs 2018 53
Publication details Publisher Photo credits City of Munich Cover Daniel Reiter Department of Labor and 5 Wolfgang Nickl Economic Development 8/9 Daniel Reiter Herzog-Wilhelm-Strasse 15 10 Ilya Openko/Shutterstock.com 80331 Munich 12/13 PhotoWorks Markus Sippl Germany LOS_DAMA!/Franziska Drasdo [email protected] 14 ©SKEW, Martin Magunia www.muenchen.de/europa 15 Department of Education and Sports www.muenchen.de/internationales 17 Top: PhotoWorks Markus Sippl Bottom: Department of Labor and Economic Editorial office Development Melanie Schlegel, Seefeld 18 Europe Direct Information Centre 19 Left: ©Elisabeth Greil Proofreading Right: Steffen Leiprecht/StMBW Petra Wucher 20 Various Voices, lesbisch-schwule Chorkultur für Europa e.V. English translation 22 ©BBSR Nigel Robinson, Fulda 23 ©StMUV, ©LOS_DAMA! 24 MGS, Benjamin Ganzenmüller Design and layout 25 Stadtwerke München Kochan & Partner GmbH, Munich 26 ©City of Munich 2018 27 Department of Public Order Printing 28 Top: ©Sebastian Henkes 2018 Weber Offset GmbH, Munich Bottom: ©EUROCITIES 29 Goethe Institute/Loredana La Rocca Printed on 100 % recycled paper 30 Dilek Tasdemir bearing the Blue Angel quality seal 31 Left: Christina Murphy; right: Kira Otremba 32 Left: Jennifer McKillop; right: Carina Miklós April 2019 33 Left: Rita Stegen; right: Astrid Henn Issue no. 326 34 Left: Franz Josef Möller; top: City of Munich, Department of HR and Personnel Management; bottom: ©City of Munich PLAN 35 Hauke Seyfahrt, Social Services Department; right: Freepik 36 ©City of Munich 37 EngagementGlobalGmbH, GIZ, City of Munich 38 Office of Sustainable Development for the Asháninka People, District of Rio Negro Peru 39 Top: Renate Hechenberger; centre: Gerhard Gross Bottom: Tim Müller 40 Top: Bruce Sutherland Centre: Teuns Kok, TDA, City of Cape Town Bottom: Cape Argus cartoonist Chip Snaddon 41 Top and left: City of Munich; right: Vilmos Veress 44/45 EUROCITIES; bottom left: Céline Delmar 48/49 Left: Alexander Heddergott Right: Gugerell/Wikipedia Bottom: Thomas Pollmer 50 Department of Education and Sports 51 Top: ©City of Munich/Michael Nagy Bottom: Department of Education and Sports
Under the guidance of Henriette Wägerle, this publication was created by the Department of Labor and Economic Development’s European Affairs Team in cooperation with and thanks to the input of all the departments and directorates of the City of Munich.
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