Brussels, 20/07/2006 (Agence Europe) - On 18 July, Regional Policy Commissioner Danuta Hübner set out for the press the programme of the 4th Edition of Open Days - European Week of Regions and Cities 2006. In so doing, she highlighted the importance of this, “biggest EU regional policy event of the year” with 600 speakers expected, and some 5,000 participants in 111 workshops and seminars. The Open Days 2006 will unfold from 9 to 12 October in Brussels and in 70 other European cities on the theme: “Investing in Europe's Regions and Cities: Public and Private Partners for Growth and Jobs” (see EUROPE 9229).
As a platform for the exchange of knowledge and information in Europe, the Open Days may this year, for the first time, count on the participation of the private sector (banks, private enterprise and the civil society will be represented) as well as on the full involvement of practically all Commission services, Ms Hübner told the press. She went on to say that “six Commissioners (who contribute to regional policy) - and perhaps President Barroso [if his agenda allows] - will take part in the Open Days 2006 as speakers”. This year's edition will cover investment and ways to attract more sustainable investment to Europe's regions and cities. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the EU15 has declined at national level, except in the United Kingdom, Danuta Hübner noted. Her services, she said, are currently looking deeper into patterns of FDI distribution across Europe's regions (on this subject, see EUROPE 9235). The results of that study will be presented during the Open Days, the Commissioner announced, saying it was essential to better understand the factors that make regions more attractive and which policies are the best to influence this. Ms Hübner went on to conclude that, thanks to the Open Days, they will have a more precise idea of what regions need in order to attract investors.
“It works. It's marvellous - it works!”, the president of the Committee of the Regions (CoR), Michel Delebarre, put in. “Europe is on the move in Brussels”, he was pleased to say, with Open Days being jointly financed by the CoR and the European Commission DG for Regional Policy. In addition to the seminars and workshops, he announced an “Investors' Café” that will provide a communication platform for public and private investors. More than 30 workshops will be held at this “Café”. Participants may also enjoy the “Exhibitors' Village” and the “Café area” to meet up with each other.
How can Europe be made more interesting for investors that are more attracted to China or other Asian countries? Danuta Hübner believes it is necessary to work with the research sector and regional authorities in order to set in place the framework needed to make Europe more competitive. She was adamant about the importance of regions as, she said, innovation is the key element for their development. She went on to conclude, saying that innovation will be the salvation of Europe. Michel Delebarre explained that, if Toyota were to set up a plant in a region of France, that region would be pleased as it would mean the creation of jobs. As Mayor of Dunkirk, he said, he is watching with keen interest the negotiations being conducted with a large international group to open a maritime line with China, as it is very good for the region and for employment.