Answer given by Ms Kroes on behalf of the Commission

10.6.2014

The Commission defines a Smart-City as the comprehensive exploration and exploitation of ICT solutions towards present needs and future opportunities for cities and their stakeholder communities. In other words, this definition encompasses more than the simple ‘digital’ city. The Commission is working with Cities and industry to produce a framework which will allow for the continuous performance assessment of Smart-City projects overall and technological solutions specifically. Support and collaborations between industry + cities is achieved through both the Smart Cities and Communities EIP (via voluntary commitments) and through the H2020 call for proposals, including Lighthouse projects and Support Actions.

No specific regulation for Smart-City is envisaged at this point.

To the extent that ‘minimum essential “smart city” infrastructures’ largely means Communication Network Infrastructures, this support will continue to be available via the European Structural and Investment Funds and delivered through the instruments of regional policy.

OJ C 426, 27/11/2014