At the University level we are still poor

The Conference of cities today held its eighth edition at Paris City Hall, at the initiative of the Association of the mayors of large cities (AMGVF) and in the official agenda of the French Presidency of the European Union. For Michel Destot, PS de Grenoble Mayor and President of this association, Europe must become more involved in the daily life of the inhabitants of the metropolis, including by participating in the financing of transport networks. He pleads for a European organisation of the poles of competitiveness.

What role can play major cities in European construction

They are players to be considered full. It is in that focus social problems but also to develop policies of solidarity. This are dealing with economic development, through universities, research laboratories and the poles of competitiveness. Sustainable development, it is also home to play most of the policies that will keep the objectives of the Grenelle of the environment. All European, especially French cities are of average size with the cities of the world, as Shanghai and its 20 million people. They have an attractive living environment but step size critical for major infrastructure.

What do you expect from the French Presidency of the EU

It is that Europe is interested in cities and the daily life of the French. Why Europe shouldn't not urban transport financing while the account is not since the State is out As is necessary in economic matters, the Organization of the poles of competitiveness in a European framework to weigh in the concert world. It is vital to pull the top these sectors of excellence that are, in Europe, aeronautics, space, agri-food, transportation, nanotechnology and biotechnology. Restricted to nation States can lead to chaotic constructions. Take Grenoble and the Pole on nanotechnologies set up around the alliance of the Franco-German STMicroelectronics, Philips Dutch and American Motorola. One-third of the 3 billion euros invested just the State, region and Department, Grenoble agglomeration. The day where it will be necessary to go further, the support of Europe will be essential.

Research and innovation, can cities more claim to the role of leader regions

The regions are very well placed to accompany the SMEsSMIs. The towns, they are able to promote the issues of the triangle formed by research, the University and companies, the logic of "clusters". Remains a weak link, medium-sized, little sustained business in France the difference of the Germany or the Italy. It takes an institutional solution to accompany them.

Are our cities in the large cities of Europe behind

Transportation TGV, site own urban networks, large French cities caught their delay on those of the North of Europe. But this is not the case for international airports: all major countries of the EU are at least two or three while the France has a truly international airport, Paris. At the University level, we are still poor. However, the label put Campus in place by Valérie Pécresse, attributed to six major cities first, and then four then, is exactly what needs to be done.

Drive to the business tax reform. What do you think

He would question, in principle, for 2010, not 2009. So we still in the expectant management. In any event this reform cannot be the only State-Medef one-on-one. Local and regional authorities must be involved in the discussions. There is no question that an agreement be carried out on our back.