Demographic change is one of the major challenges facing the European Union. The European Committee of the Regions therefore debated the EU's response today, at a meeting of the Commission for Social Policy, Education, Employment, Research and Culture. The proposal to treat this topic came from Juan Vicente Herrera (ES/EPP), President of the Castille and Leon region, who underlined: "EU regions and cities are doing a lot, but we can do more to turn these challenges into opportunities".

The draft opinion, which was supported by a large majority of local and regional politicians at the meeting, criticised the EU's work to date for focussing too much on ageing alone and underlined low birth rates and transport connections as specific challenges for regions and cities. "While the characteristics of some areas or regions will mean that these changes will affect them later or to a lesser extent, it is indisputable that the effects will be felt across the entire EU" according to the rapporteur. He therefore calls for a precise definition of "demographic handicaps" and specific instruments within cohesion policy beyond 2020.

The opinion is due to be formally adopted at the June Plenary Session of the European Committee of the Regions and the EPP Group will continue to examine the ways that demographic challenges can be turned into opportunities at a seminar during the European Week of Regions and Cities in October.