More than two thirds of Europe’s population live in cities and towns and this share continues to grow. That is why urban development - economic, social and environmental - is central to the EU’s Regional Policy. An integrated approach that ensures cities excel in these three areas will help to achieve the Europe 2020 strategy of 'smart, sustainable and inclusive growth'. And urban development that is also sustainable will not only drive the EU’s competitiveness in today’s changing world but also safeguard a high-quality of life for all of Europe’s citizens - both now and in the future. During the 2007-2013 programming period, the EU invested some 21.1 billion euro in sustainable urban development, and during the 2014-2020 programming period, European cities will benefit even more from the EU’s Regional Policy. In this video, four projects are presented which have been co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund: the new Acropolis Museum in Athens (Greece), the Bottrop model city for sustainable urban development (Germany), the new wastewater treatment plant in Slavonski Brod (Croatia), and the door-to-door waste collection programme in Maia (Portugal).