COST is an intergovernmental framework for European Cooperation in Science and Technology, allowing the coordination of nationally-funded research on a European level.

The objective of this Action is to contribute to structuring existing knowledge and to developing innovative approaches on how to build more secure and safe cities. Studies have shown that there is a correlation between the structure and organization of urban space and crime: new criminological theory supports this point of view. The Justice and Home Affairs Council of the EU has underlined that crime prevention through design is a successful and effective strategy for crime prevention and needs to be supported. Despite this, new projects are being implemented all over Europe without considering safety criteria, creating urban areas where crime or fear of crime can make life difficult.

The Action develops new knowledge and innovative approaches, putting together theoretical thinking and practical experience. The scientific programme works simultaneously on one hand on innovative approaches deriving from research and experts and on the other hand on the know-how acquired through best practical experience of participating countries.

The above is done through lectures, seminars, focused working groups as well as a workshop. Dissemination of awareness is an important aspect for working in the field of CP-UDP field and the Action devotes much effort to this issue.

Central to this Action is the training of young people. For this purpose a Junior Network has been established and specialized training is planned.
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N.B. The term ‘crime’, according to the most recent definitions, covers a wide range: proper crime, anti-social behaviours, conflicts, fear of crime and other harmful behaviours.