EU cohesion policy to deal with demographic change 29-01-2007 The EU will be able co-finance necessary investments for adaptation to
demographic change. Through the European Structural Funds, the EU can support
regions that struggle with for example the ageing of the population and
declining birth rates resulting in a smaller labour force and a possible loss of
services. European Commissioners Danuta Hübner (Regional Policy) and Vladimir
Spidla (Social Affairs, Employment and Equal Opportunity) said so at a
conference on demographic challenges held in Brussels on 25 and 26 January.
The Commissioners’ remarks were timely, since the national strategic
frameworks and operational programmes for the 2007-2013 programming period are
currently being negotiated by the European Commission and member states. The two
commissioners also stressed the need to take the demographic factor into account
in the operational programmes.
In her opening remarks, Danuta Hübner noted that "we need to integrate the
demographic challenge much more strategically and systematically into our
programmes". That can be done, for example, through investments in new
technologies, which can be a powerful attraction for younger populations, or
support for investments in child care facilities or training for older workers
under the European Social Fund.
The EU's cohesion policy "allows regions to react to demographic change
through actions tailored to their particular needs". The states and local and
regional authorities are invited to use them to their advantage.
Source: European Information Service LinksRead more on the conference 'Regional policy responses to demographic challenges' back |
