The Impact of Neoliberalism and Traditions of the European City on the Transformations of the Major Urban Projects Management in Western European and Post-socialist Cities

Abstract

The article compares changes in the management of major urban projects in Western European and post-socialist cities. It examines their project management methods and project objectives and sheds light on the impact of neoliberal policies. Attention is paid to the presence of pro-social; or, more precisely, public interest project measures that demonstrate whether the cities are successful in promoting non-commercial objectives, or whether they are better left to market mechanisms. Although the management of West European projects is criticized as being overly neoliberal, it can be shown, by using the example of European cities, that their social background is still strong. This finding is contrasted with the situation of post-socialist cities whose predominantly liberal urban policies are now becoming more socially oriented.