Development of smart cities
17.4.2014
Question for written answer E-005198-14
to the Commission
Rule 117
Ioannis A. Tsoukalas (PPE)
A number of designations (digital, wireless, ubiquitous, green, etc.) have now gained international acceptance with reference to ‘smart cities’ enhanced at local level (e.g. through information and communications’ infrastructures) in terms of quality of life, the business environment and economic and other factors. Recent research (Korea IT Times, 2012) has revealed that smart cities are developing into a new international market worth over USD 240 billion, with substantial prospects in terms of business expansion and regional development. At the same time, the EU has taken major initiatives to promote smart cities[1]. The Enterprise and Industry DG has identified the development of smart and sustainable European cities as a major challenge and earmarked EUR 365 million for the development of innovative smart city and municipality networks. However, although numerous projects have received EU funding and a large number of self-styled ‘smart’ cities have been created, the actual results can only be described as meagre when compared with those obtained by countries such as South Korea, for example, where smart cities have become an exportable national product.
In view of this:
- 1.How does the Commission define a smart city? Has it established minimum architectural standards or benchmarks for a smart city acceptable at European level so as to make it clear what criteria must be fulfilled to qualify for this designation? How is it monitoring smart city performances? How do smart cities fit into the Horizon 2020 programme?
- 2.Are any EU regulatory framework provisions in place or being envisaged (regarding urban sustainability, smart cities etc.)? Are legislative initiatives to this end being considered?
- 3.A considerable number of self-styled smart cities developed with EU funding have vastly exceeded their budgets for the creation of essential infrastructures while other smart cities are struggling under the financial burden of maintaining them. Does the Commission have comparative data regarding the cost of providing minimum essential ‘smart city’ infrastructures? What is the EU doing to ensure the sustainability of such investments?
- [1] e.g. www.smart-cities.eu
OJ C 426, 27/11/2014