The post-2020 cohesion policy reform is already the subject of debate among policy-makers, stakeholders and EU institutions. President of the EPP-CoR Group and CoR's rapporteur on the topic, Michael Schneider spoke at the conference organized by the European Parliament Research Service on the challenges related to demographic change that EU regions face and a role new cohesion policy could play.
President Schneider also stressed that
"demographic change is one of the major challenges facing European society. Some regions or cities, such as Saxony-Anhalt, are already seeing an impact on public services and resources. We therefore call for a much more innovative, coordinated and integrated response from the EU, which encompasses all policies – cohesion, innovation, transport, health, employment, rural development, etc. – with the necessary flexibility for local government to prioritise what matters most to their specific circumstances" - he appealed.
The event aimed at addressing the challenges and opportunities of sparsely populated and underpopulated areas.
The EPP-CoR Group will host a seminar on "Europe's demographic – from challenges to local and regional opportunities"Europe's demographic – from challenges to local and regional opportunities" during the European Week of Regions and Cities on 12 October 2016.
Find more about our event HERE
