Brussels, 27/01/2011 (Agence Europe) - The necessity of modernising the economy and guaranteeing EU competitiveness underpin many debates today on sustainable growth. This is a priority in the EU 2020 programme but how can this programme be put into practice? The shift to a low carbon economy and a more energy-efficient future will only be achieved with concrete regional projects. This is the observation made by Johannes Hahn, following the adoption of the communication on the key role regional policy can play as a driver for sustainable growth. The Commission adopted the communication on Wednesday 26 January.
Call to action. In a press statement on Thursday 27 January, the commissioner for regional policy explained that this document is “a call for action” on the lines of the initiative on resources (EUROPE 10302). He is requesting action to be taken by member states and the regional authorities and progress to be made at a European level. Johannes Hahn said that “the time has come to invest intelligently in sustainable growth”. He explained that the 2007-2013 budget included a total of around €100 billion to help reduce CO2 emissions, create massive energy savings and grow and produce in a more energy-efficient way. The Commissioner noted that the cohesion policy average is still low and “we are urging the regions to see whether they can do more”. A forum on cohesion will be organised for 31 January and 1 February. It will focus on cohesion policy and ideas put forward by regional and local actors.
Funding. The commissioner affirmed that future funding will be linked to the EU 2020 strategy as much as possible. The communication Regional Policy contributing to Sustainable Growth in EUROPE 2020 involves the current financial period and all future funding commitments.
Recommendations to member states and regions for the future. The communication calls for: - linking funding to smart and sustainable development and available funds such as those in the 7th Research Framework Programme and the Research Framework Programme 2 for rural development, as well as better use of available funds; - reviewing projects in relation to climate priorities and prioritising projects that increase the recycling of water, waste prevention and recycling; - including the sustainability principle in all project stages, in an effort to improve resource efficiency and focus on projects in cities and urban zones.
The communication is available at: ec.europa.eu/regional_policy (G.B./transl.fl)