What are the opportunities and challenges in setting up and implementing an urban development fund?Financial instruments offer a more sustainable model for funding urban development projects in the future. Those financial instruments are those established under the 2007-2013 or expected during the 2014-2020 ESIF programming periods but also other kind of instruments allowing loans, equity or guarantee that support urban development projects. Within an interactive format, these guiding questions are suggested to be addressed:- what are financial instruments for urban areas?  - why are financial instruments key for urban development projects?- what about their implementation? - what are the challenges and solutions encountered?Target audience: - EU, national, regional and local policy/decision makers- Authorities managing and evaluating cohesion policy programmes and projects- Other stakeholders: private companies, financial institutions, European and national associations- Academics, students and researchers