Sustainable urban development requires an integrated approach and the Thematic Strategy advocates that national and regional authorities support municipalities in achieving more integrated management at the local level. This approach is supported by both of the Council and the European Parliament5. Integrated approaches include long-term strategic visions and link different policies at different administrative levels to ensure coherency. Integrated environemntal management also means tackling related issues together such as urban management and governance, integrated spatial planning, economic wellbeing and competitiveness, social inclusion, and environmental stewardship. For example, the implementation of Community law on urban air quality not only has implications for pollution control and traffic management, but also requires combined.
