Research Purpose:

The progressive Europeanisation of urban policies has found in the Integrated Sustainable Urban Development Strategies (ISUDS) during the 2014-2020 funding period a transformative tool in the way of working and the consolidation of the integrated approach. Moreover, the clear delimitation of the scope of action and the definition of lines of action aligned with European objectives have changed the perception of urban policies by local authorities. Seven Asturian municipalities applied to the calls for proposals carried out in Spain. In the end, only four of them obtained funding for the development of their strategies: Avilés, Mieres, Oviedo and Siero. Thus, the main objective is to find out the impact that the ISUDS have had on the Asturian cities and for this purpose a series of questions are posed to guide the research: Have the measures included in the action plans of the different strategies presented by the Asturian cities been carried out and what transformations are observed in the Asturian cities?

Methodology:

Qualitative research methods are used, such as documentary analysis, in-depth interviews, cartographic representation and field observation.

Findings:

This article provides a qualitative assessment of the degree of implementation of the ISUDS in Asturias. While Avilés, Mieres and Siero have completed the strategy or most of their actions, Oviedo runs the risk of losing part of the European co-financing. Among the problems identified by the municipalities, the shortage of human resources, the rigidity of the call for proposals, the bureaucratic burden and the complexity of management are highlighted.

Originality/Value:

A critical reading of the ISUDS is offered beyond the design aspects of the European policy, focusing on the level of compliance with the strategies and the urban transformations implemented.

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