Fourth Report on Economic and Social Cohesion

Background and further information:

What lessons can be drawn from the experience of preparing the 2007– 2013 programmes? In this context and in the light of the analysis provided by this report, how far is cohesion policy adapted to the new challenges European regions will face in the coming years? For example:

- How can the regions react to restructuring pressures from dynamic competitors in low and medium tech sectors?
- Given wide differences in birth rates, death rates and migratory flows at regional level, what is the role of cohesion policy in responding to demographic change?
- To what extent is climate change a challenge for cohesion policy?

• How can cohesion policy further develop an integrated and more flexible approach to development/growth and jobs in this new context?

- How can cohesion policy better promote harmonious, balanced and sustainable development taking into account the diversity of EU territories, such as least favoured areas, islands, rural and coastal areas but also cities, declining industrial regions, other areas with particular geographic characteristics?
- What are the impacts of the challenges identified in the report for key elements of social cohesion such as inclusion, integration and opportunity for all? Are further efforts needed to anticipate and counteract these impacts?
- What are the key future skills that are essential for our citizens in facing new challenges?
- What are the critical competencies that should be developed at the regional level to make regions globally competitive?

• Following the appraisal of the previous questions, what is the assessment of the policy management system for the period 2007–2013?

- Given the need for efficient management of cohesion policy programmes, what is the optimum allocation of responsibility between the Community, national and regional levels within a multi-level governance system?
- How can cohesion policy become more effective in supporting public policies in Member States and regions? What mechanisms of delivery could make the policy more performance-based and more user-friendly?
- How can we further strengthen the relationship between cohesion policy and other national and Community policies to achieve more and better synergies and complementarities?
- What are the new opportunities for co-operation between regions, both within and outside the EU?The fourth report on economic and social cohesion was published by the European Commission in May 1996.

http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/docoffic/official/reports/cohesion4/pdf/4cr_en.pdf http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/docoffic/official/reports/cohesion4/pdf/4cr_en.pdf

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