Sustainable Urban Management focusses on the urban sustainability agenda of the European Union. By first examining the approach taken in the EU’s 2006 'Thematic Strategy on the Urban Environment', the book explains why this strategy did not have the impact envisioned by the European Commission. Secondly, and in response, it proposes a different approach to urban environmental governance. The approach put forward in this book provides critical analysis of many existing suggestions to install or promote generic and common planning or governance formats in diverse urban areas. It is framed around seven elements that are considered central to delivering liveable and sustainable cities and towns: principles, politics, partnerships, processes, policies, plans and programmes. As such, the book offers a practical approach to urban sustainable management that will be of interest to both practitioners and academics working in geography, urban planning, sustainability and environmental studies.