Regions and cities call for strengthening Cohesion Policy to tackle demographic change

The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) welcomes the conclusions on the role of Cohesion Policy in addressing demographic challenges adopted on 28 November by the Council of the European Union. The text takes on board many of the requests included in an opinion adopted last week at the plenary of the CoR, which called for the recognition of the demographic transition as an EU priority alongside the green and digital ones. 

At the request of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU, the CoR adopted on 20 November an opinion on how to exploit the full potential of Cohesion Policy to tackle demographic change, drafted by Raquel GARCÍA GONZÁLEZ (ES/PES), Director-General for European Affairs of the Government of the Principality of Asturias.

A European common definition of ‘regions in demographic transition’

Local and regional leaders asked to introduce a definition of ‘regions in demographic transition’ to facilitate a common EU-wide understanding and to better track the wide range of investments under Cohesion Policy which help to address demographic change. Therefore, the CoR welcomes the recognition by the Council of the crucial role of Cohesion Policy as “one of the most important EU instruments” in tackling demographic challenges “by supporting both mitigation and adaptation measures”. 

At the same time, and in line with the Committee’s position, the Council stressed the importance of the so-called ‘partnership principle’ and ‘place-based approach’ in addressing demographic challenges, underlining that policy responses should be “designed and implemented with the active involvement of national, regional and local authorities” and that “Cohesion Policy should continue to play a pivotal role in tackling these challenges also in the future”. 

Better use of existing tools

Through the opinion adopted last week, CoR members also underlined the potential to reinforce the use of Cohesion Policy in tackling demographic transformations by making better use of existing EU territorial investment mechanisms and ensuring closer monitoring of demography-related investments. Likewise, they highlighted the need to consider broader aspects such as access to public services, taxation and state aid rules to address the demographic transition. These calls were echoed by the Council, which, in its conclusions, invites the Commission to consider “reinforcing integrated territorial approaches” and to “explore further areas of support for the future that are relevant to addressing demographic change”.

Quote

Rapporteur Raquel GARCÍA GONZÁLEZ (ES/PES), Director-General for European Affairs of the Government of the Principality of Asturias: “I am pleased to note the Council’s support for my opinion in today's conclusions. Tackling demographic change and depopulation requires a united effort, and I welcome the shared emphasis on reinforcing integrated territorial investment under Cohesion Policy. This demonstrates that to tackle the pressing issue of depopulation effectively, regions must retain control over the management of Cohesion Policy. Moreover, the convergence between the CoR and the Council could prompt the European Commission to strengthen support for struggling areas with updated indicators, tailored co-financing rates, and adjusted state aid rules. By equipping regions with these tools, we can ensure equal access to essential public services for all Europeans.”

Contact
Matteo Miglietta
Tel. +32 470895382
Matteo.Miglietta@cor.europa.eu