Brussels, 25/01/2007 (Agence Europe) - Opening a conference in Brussels on Thursday on the theme of “Regions for Economic Change: Regional policy responses to demographic challenges”, Commissioner Danuta Hübner, responsible for regional policy, noted that the new cohesion policy of the European Union has a central role to play in supporting the efforts of European regions to adapt to demographic change. Commissioner Hübner said, “The magnitude and rhythm of population trends varies substantially from country to country and from region to region. There is no 'one size fits all' policy response. Our regions already have a wealth of experience in dealing with these changes, and we must exploit this experience to the full. This second Regions for Economic Change conference will help us to do this by presenting examples from over 20 regions which are at the forefront of these developments. For the new programming period 2007-2013, we need to build on these successes and integrate the demographic challenge much more strategically and systematically into our programmes." This is why she emphasised that the EU's cohesion policy is well adapted to many of the challenges of demographic change because it encourages all relevant partners to design and implement policies, through medium-term strategic plans within a stable financial framework. She affirmed that, “This policy allows regions to respond to population change through policies which are tailored to their specific needs”.
On Thursday, Employment and Social Affairs Commissioner Vladimír Špidla (who will also be speaking at the conference on Friday) highlighted the importance of the European Social Fund for offsetting the effects of job losses. He explained that, “The European Social Fund (ESF) has a budget of almost €10 billion each year to help offset the negative effects of our greying population, or for example to provide funding to improve access to childcare, or training for workers, particularly older workers."
The conference on 25 - 26 January will bring together national, regional and local policy makers, expert advisers and those responsible for designing and implementing the next generation of Structural Funds programmes, members of civil society and the academic and business communities. It aims to give participants insights into the challenges posed by demographic change and the opportunities being created, and exchange experience on successful strategies and practices for helping society, labour markets, businesses, public services and infrastructures adapt to demographic change. For further information: (http: //ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/conferences/demographicchallenge_jan07/home_en.cfm). (hb)