Brussels, 25/04/2013 (Agence Europe) - An integrated strategy combining cohesion funds and new industrial policy is expected to be the cornerstone for regenerating former industrialised regions. This strategy is advocated in a draft resolution by Jens Geier MEP (S&D, Germany) adopted on Tuesday 23 April by the Parliamentary committee responsible for regional development (REGI).
The document notes that regions experiencing industrial decline were particularly left out after enlargement and in the aftermath of the economic crisis, despite their needing more aid measures. MEPs from the REGI committee are calling member states to help towards the regeneration of these regions by promoting innovation, investment in enterprise, social inclusion, integrated approaches to open development and urban renewal, in an effort to ensure successful regeneration and sustainable local jobs. In an effort to achieve this “new industrial revolution”, MEPs are highlighting the role that cohesion policy can play, as well as the importance of basing these exclusively regional strategies on the respective local context. This draft resolution will be put to the vote by MEPs during the May plenary session. (MD/transl.fl)