This article seeks to propose a framework for the assessment of EU integrated sustainable urban development strategies (ISUDSs) based on a six-vector typology. It starts by discussing the advantages associated with the implementation of ISUDSs, while justifying the framework of the methodological approach proposed (section ii). The Portuguese case study is then used to empirically test the methodology proposed (section iii). More concretely, it examines the extent to which the implementation of two Urban Community Initiative (CI) programmes (1994–2006) and two Polis programmes (2007–13) had a fully integrated territorial policy approach, based on available evaluation reports.

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Urban dimension,EU cohesion policy,Polycentrism,Integrated sustainable urban development strategies,Urban community Initiative,Polis