ESC opinion on local development initiatives and regional policy
The Economic and Social Committee (ECOSOC) has published an "Opinion on local development initiatives and regional policy", adopted in October 1995. The Opinion reviews the issues surrounding local development initiatives and regional policy and makes a number of recommendations for future action in this area. The Committee places particular emphasis on the role of local development in combating unemployment in Europe, characterized increasingly by its concentration in less-developed areas and in areas of industrial decline. The Opinion also examines the efficiency of the Community's structural policy instruments in local development terms. The Committee points out that while local development is not the sole solution to the employment problem, it can make a significant contribution by introducing a sustainable development model. It also strengthens the links between growth, participation and responsibility, as well as supporting and generating new entrepreneurial skills. At the same time, local development respects cultural roots and provides an optimum blend of dedicated resources, self-generated development and employment. The Committee, therefore, calls on the European Commission to define more clearly the essential features of a local development action, with local players playing a central role. It also recommends an increase in the funding available for stimulating and promoting local development schemes under the structural funds. At the same time, the Committee calls for more efforts to inform local and regional authorities and socio-occupational and voluntary organizations, to train public officials and experts, and to overcome the resistance of the national authorities. In this context, the Community authorities need to pay attention to the need to disseminate information and know-how among the relevant players so that they can work as a fully-fledged network of development agents, able to mobilize the forces and resources deemed vital for worthwhile projects and results.