The article presents the results of comprehensive analysis of the European Union Common regional policy evolution in the field of urban development. The paper deals with the main documents, programs and projects, databases and resources related to sustainable and smart urban development. On the basis of the analysis the place and role of the city in the framework of the Common regional and economic policy were determined. The main directions and priorities of the Common European projects in the field of urban development, their contents and importance for the sustainable development of cities were analyzed. The evolution of approaches to urban development and the influence of internal and external factors on it were illustrated. The actual vision of the urban development mechanism within Community was proposed. 

sustainable development, European Union, urban development, Common policies, smart cities