How to exploit the full potential of cohesion policy to tackle demographic change
COTER-VII/043
How to exploit the full potential of cohesion policy to tackle demographic change
To assess the use to date of Cohesion policy tools in addressing demographic challenges
To identify further use that could be made of Cohesion policy tools in this context in the current programming period.
To identify further use that could be made of Cohesion policy tools in this context in the current programming period.
THE EUROPEAN COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS (CoR)
- points out that, as set out in the Letta report, the ‘freedom to stay’ must be in effect throughout the EU. As such, taking into account the demographic difficulties facing some areas, the relevant authorities must have the tools they need to enable those who decide to pursue long-term plans in these areas, especially SMEs, to develop and compete in the EU single market;
- stresses that cohesion policy measures have the potential to trigger profound industrial, environmental and social transformations that help to extend essential services, mobile services and key infrastructure to make areas attractive – sanitation, basic education, connectivity and healthcare – and will encourage people to stay or move there;
- notes that demographic change was included as an objective in 26 partnership agreements for the current multiannual financial framework (MFF), but points out that this was followed up with a lower level of adoption at programme level; calls for the next mid-term review to be used as an opportunity to remedy this situation;
- highlights the importance of a bottom-up, place-based approach when addressing demographic challenges, while also emphasising the need to ensure sufficient administrative capacity for smaller municipalities and territorial units;
- points out that many border regions suffer disproportionately from the demographic challenges in comparison to central and capital regions; calls therefore for increased investment in Interreg’s cross-border cooperation strand as part of the strategy to tackle the demographic challenges in EU regions;
- emphasises that it is essential to define ‘regions in demographic transition’ to facilitate EU-wide understanding and exchanges concerning appropriate measures that effectively address demographic change;
- points out that, particularly in rural areas, as well as determining functional areas, minimum standards must be applied to the EU as a whole, in terms of population and essential services;
proposes setting up a platform/observatory for regions in demographic transition that would be supported by the European Commission.
- points out that, as set out in the Letta report, the ‘freedom to stay’ must be in effect throughout the EU. As such, taking into account the demographic difficulties facing some areas, the relevant authorities must have the tools they need to enable those who decide to pursue long-term plans in these areas, especially SMEs, to develop and compete in the EU single market;
- stresses that cohesion policy measures have the potential to trigger profound industrial, environmental and social transformations that help to extend essential services, mobile services and key infrastructure to make areas attractive – sanitation, basic education, connectivity and healthcare – and will encourage people to stay or move there;
- notes that demographic change was included as an objective in 26 partnership agreements for the current multiannual financial framework (MFF), but points out that this was followed up with a lower level of adoption at programme level; calls for the next mid-term review to be used as an opportunity to remedy this situation;
- highlights the importance of a bottom-up, place-based approach when addressing demographic challenges, while also emphasising the need to ensure sufficient administrative capacity for smaller municipalities and territorial units;
- points out that many border regions suffer disproportionately from the demographic challenges in comparison to central and capital regions; calls therefore for increased investment in Interreg’s cross-border cooperation strand as part of the strategy to tackle the demographic challenges in EU regions;
- emphasises that it is essential to define ‘regions in demographic transition’ to facilitate EU-wide understanding and exchanges concerning appropriate measures that effectively address demographic change;
- points out that, particularly in rural areas, as well as determining functional areas, minimum standards must be applied to the EU as a whole, in terms of population and essential services;
proposes setting up a platform/observatory for regions in demographic transition that would be supported by the European Commission.
