PN MP Stanley Zammit participated in the inter-parliamentary conference on urban policies in the EU, which took place in the Parliament of the Brussels-Capital Region in Brussels on January 21 and 22, 2024.

The Brussels Parliament is the legislative body of the Brussels-Capital Region. The conference, which was organised within the framework of inter-parliamentary meetings of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, was opened by Mr Rachid Madrane, President of the Parliament of the Brussels Capital Region.

Given that a significant proportion of Europe’s population resides in densely populated or urban areas, EU urban policy assumes paramount importance for European citizens. The conference focused on four key issues facing European cities today: the financing of policies, the involvement of citizens, the environment, and mobility.

Stanley Zammit addressed the conference during the second session on involving citizens in the development of major urban projects. He underscored the imperative nature of good governance, emphasizing that it should be participatory, consensus-oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective, efficient, equitable, inclusive, and adherent to the rule of law.

He highlighted the pivotal role of citizen involvement and enhanced transparency in fostering greater trust in governance, thereby encouraging increased participation and instilling a sense of shared responsibility. This emphasis on citizen engagement aligns with the principles that underpin effective and inclusive urban development.