PIRCH is dedicated to the urban sustainable development of Manresa's historic district, which, unlike many other European cities, has remained a peripheral area, excluded from the socio-economic growth experienced by the modern city centre.

The main goal of PIRCH is to implement specific actions in Manresa’s historic periphery to make the city more compact and cohesive. This includes enhancing the accessibility of essential services such as education and healthcare facilities, job opportunities, commercial areas, green spaces, as well as leisure and cultural offerings. Additionally, the plan seeks to create sustainable mobility options and improve the quality of life and social connections among residents.

PROXIMITY is a key initiative within PIRCH, focusing on the strategic development of the Fàbrica Nova area and its surroundings. This initiative aims to transform this industrial site into a catalyst for the wider regeneration of the historic district through a combination of public and private sector efforts.

Key aims of PIRCH:

1. Regeneration of Fàbrica Nova: The building will be refurbished with sustainability criteria, and the area will be revitalised, leveraging new social, economic, and environmental opportunities to benefit the neighbourhood.

2. Creation of a Green Area: A large green space will be established on the site of the former Fàbrica Nova, providing a much-needed recreational and environmental asset for the community.

3. Transformation into a University Site and Technology Research Hub: The remaining industrial buildings will be repurposed as a university, job training and support for business, and research centre on technology, injecting new life and energy into the area, and fostering education and innovation.

Through integrating the learning outcomes from the PROXIMITIES Project into the broader regeneration plans for the Fàbrica Nova area and its surroundings, it will ensure  that these developments benefit the community as a whole.

The Riga Region Development Programme 2022-2027 is a crucial medium-term policy instrument designed to steer the regional development of the Riga Planning Region. This comprehensive programme, approved in 2023, outlines development priorities, establishes measures and projects, and includes a robust monitoring system to track progress over time.

The programme is divided into three main parts:

1. Strategic Part: This section describes the current situation and identifies the key priorities for the next seven years.
2. Investment Plan: This part matches the identified priorities with specific activities and projects, ensuring targeted and effective implementation.
3. Monitoring System: This component is designed to measure changes over time, providing valuable feedback and insights to guide future actions.

Key Priorities for Sustainable Integrated Territorial Development:

The programme highlights several critical issues that will be focal points for future development. These include:

- Decentralisation
- Community Development
- Proximity
- Micromobility
- Public Participation
- Provision of Public and Commercial Services in adjacent suburban neighbourhoods

Addressing these issues is essential to achieving sustainable integrated territorial development in the Riga region.

Strategic Objectives (SO) and Priorities:

The following Strategic Objectives (SO) have been set to guide the development efforts:

SO1: Socially Inclusive Life in Prosperous Communities
- Priority 1: Specialised Services and Sustainability of Local Communities

SO2: Knowledge-Based Green, Innovative, and Flexible Economy
- Priority 4: Comfortable, Fast, and Climate-Neutral Mobility
- Priority 5: Quality Governance and Solutions for Territorial Development

SO3: Ecologically Tolerant Lifestyles and Locations
- Priority 6: **Sustainable Settlement Patterns and Locations

Priority 7 – Sustainable territorial development, S.O.- 5.1. Promoting integrated and inclusive social, economic and environmental development, as well as culture, natural heritage, sustainable tourism and security in urban areas (ERDF), Regional Programme SW Oltenia 2021-2027

The policy instrument is addressed to the entire South-West Oltenia region, more precisely the administrative territory of the county seat municipalities, municipalities and cities.

Main activities of the policy instrument:

• Urban regeneration, protection, development and promotion of cultural heritage and cultural services, development and promotion of public tourism assets, through the financing of Integrated Territorial Instruments (ITI);

• ITI to be operationalized through territorial development strategies (TDSs/ UDSs), in order to address more effectively the socio-economic, climate related, demographic and environmental challenges affecting urban areas, including FUA (total allocation related to the specific objective - 165.137.000,00 euro);

• The beneficiaries are mainly public authorities in urban area, so this policy instrument could stimulate the participation of all stakeholders in a more effective way, by bringing a leverage effect.

Thus, for the revitalisation of urban spaces and for urban regeneration interventions, the local public authority will identify within the IUDS the type of area that must be addressed, depending on the identified development needs and the potential of the area, with the consultation and involvement of the local community in accordance with the principles of the integrated approach to urban development.

Projects must be chosen by mapping and assessing the needs identified in the local strategy. Based on the needs identified in the strategies, urban regeneration measures will also prioritise disadvantaged neighborhoods and communities beyond the core and historic areas

The Sustainable Urban Development Strategy (SUDS) is a comprehensive, cross-sectoral strategic document developed by the Municipality of Veszprém. Serving as a vital reference for the 2021-2027 EU funding cycle, SUDS provides an in-depth analysis of the current situation and sets forth medium-term objectives for the city. This strategy is designed to clearly identify Veszprém's development paths, propose interventions aligned with local needs and opportunities, and ensure compliance with spatial planning and EU funding requirements.

Key Areas of Focus:

1. Prosperous City: Fostering economic growth and innovation.
2. Greening City: Promoting environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
3. Digital City: Embracing digital transformation and technological advancements.
4. Retaining City: Enhancing quality of life to retain residents.
5. Serving City: Improving public services and community support.

Overarching Objectives:

- High Quality of Life: Ensuring residents enjoy a superior living standard.
- Resilient Urban Functioning: Building a city capable of withstanding various challenges.
- Vibrant Cultural Life: Creating a dynamic and engaging cultural scene.
- Strong Community Life: Strengthening social bonds and community spirit.
- Cohesive Region: Fostering regional cooperation and integration.

Detailed Objectives:

- Future-Oriented Education: Advancing educational opportunities to prepare for tomorrow's challenges.
- Housing Supply: Actively shaping and supporting housing solutions.
- Sustainable Mobility: Developing a framework for eco-friendly transportation.
- Accessible Public Services: Ensuring high-quality services are available to all.
- Climate-Adaptive Urban Functioning: Adapting urban areas to climate change impacts.
- Economic Promotion: Focusing on green, digital, and R&D&I (Research, Development, and Innovation) sectors.
- International Cultural Offer: Creating cultural offerings that attract wide-ranging attention.
- Year-Round Tourism: Developing tourism that thrives throughout the year.
- Self-Organising Communities: Empowering communities to self-organise and thrive.

The objectives outlined in the SUDS are detailed at action level in the “Urban Development Programme for 2021-2027,” which allocates the necessary funding for these initiatives.

The main goal of the Development Strategy for the Countryside of Varberg is to improve the quality of life and increase local involvement in the countryside areas of the Varberg municipality. This strategy encompasses the entire municipality, excluding the city centre, and focuses on developing different areas such as the urban countryside, urban villages, and rural countryside. The PROXIMITIES Project specifically addresses the goals related to the development of the urban countryside.

Key Development Areas:

1. Attractive Living Conditions: Enhancing access to public and commercial services, cultural and recreational activities, and housing options to attract new inhabitants and support generational change.
2. Promoting Sustainable Mobility: Implementing innovative solutions for public transport and improving digital infrastructure.
3. Well-Functioning Service & Welfare: Ensuring access to essential services and welfare, and providing well-designed public spaces, meeting places, parks, and playgrounds.
4. Strengthening Local Business: Supporting the growth of local businesses, particularly those that provide essential services and food.
5. Supporting Local Involvement and Dialogue: Encouraging residents to actively participate in municipal and local issues, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.

Focus Areas:

- Urban Countryside: Development closest to the city and the coastline.
- Inland and Woodlands: Tailored strategies to address the unique needs of these areas.

To increase the effectiveness of the Development Strategy for the Countryside of Varberg, it is crucial to implement measures that consider the specific peripheral urban context. This involves evaluating the particular needs of each territory, engaging stakeholders, and building knowledge within the municipality and among stakeholders.

By addressing these diverse and critical areas, the Development Strategy for the Countryside of Varberg aims to create a more vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive rural community, ensuring that the entire municipality benefits from balanced and thoughtful development.

The Emilia-Romagna European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Regional Programme for 2021-2027 prioritises Attractiveness, Cohesion, and Territorial Development under Priority 4. This priority aims to overcome territorial inequalities and promote sustainable development, cohesion, and attractiveness through various initiatives. A key focus is Specific Objective 5.1, which seeks to promote integrated and inclusive development encompassing social, economic, and environmental aspects, alongside culture, natural heritage, sustainable tourism, and urban safety.

Key Goals of RP Emilia-Romagna ERDF 2021-2027:

- Enhancing the role of urban areas in driving transitions.
- Addressing the identities and unique needs of peripheral territories.
- Activating new processes to support development.

Emilia-Romagna faces significant inequalities between urban and rural areas, as well as within inner and peripheral regions. Priority 4 aims to assist local authorities in creating opportunities and services that integrate attractiveness, green transition, climate neutrality, social connections, and participatory processes, particularly in peripheral urban areas.

Transformative Urban Agendas for Sustainable Development (ATUSS) have been developed by major regional cities, including THE Municipality of Reggio Emilia, and complex areas. These agendas are built on a multi-level governance and multi-fund approach, designed to address specific territorial needs and vocations. They involve key local actors and citizens in defining territorial development strategies.

This action aligns with the objectives of the PROXIMITIES project, which aims to innovate and strengthen local and regional policies to tackle proximity challenges in peripheral urban areas. The initiative supports the creation of new models for integrated territorial development, ensuring that regional growth is inclusive, sustainable, and resilient.

By addressing these critical areas, the RP Emilia-Romagna ERDF 2021-2027 seeks to create a more cohesive and attractive region, fostering sustainable development that benefits all communities, both urban and rural.

The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) for the Southern Region of Ireland is a comprehensive 12-year strategic development framework that builds on the National Planning Framework (NPF). It aims to guide the physical, economic, and social development of the Southern Region of Ireland, including Metropolitan Area Strategic Plans for Cork, Limerick, and Waterford, along with their surrounding areas.

Key Objectives of the RSES:

- Nurture Places: Realise the full potential of all locations.
- Protect and Enhance the Environment: Ensure environmental sustainability and protection.
- Combat Climate Change: Implement strategies to address and mitigate climate change effects.
- Achieve Economic Prosperity: Improve quality of life and economic opportunities for all citizens.
- Accommodate Growth: Direct growth and development to suitable locations.
- Creative and Innovative Region: Strive to become one of the EU’s most creative, innovative, greenest, and liveable regions.

RSES Priorities:

- Balanced Regional Development: Promote equitable development across the region.
- Full Implementation of the NPF: Ensure alignment with national planning goals.

As the regional tier of the national planning process, the RSES ensures coordination between local and regional governments and national policies. This includes the Regional Policy Objective 31 – Sustainable Place Framework, which is addressed by the PROXIMITIES Project. 

Under the Planning and Development Act 2000, all 10 Local Authorities  within the region must ensure that their City and County Development Plans (, Local Transport Plans , and Local Enterprise and Community Plans  are consistent with the RSES and relevant national policies. Draft development plans and variations are referred to the Southern Regional Assembly for review.  planning matters as specified in the legislation.

By focusing on these strategic areas, the RSES for the Southern Region of Ireland aims to foster sustainable, balanced, and inclusive development, ensuring that the region thrives economically, socially, and environmentally for the benefit of all its residents.