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Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Progress in terms of demography, creating opportunities in rural and urban areas through the ESPON programme.

Projects funded by this program have announced their interim results, these projects cover the priority areas to support the development and territorial cohesion.The project DEMIFER (Demographic and Migratory Flows Affecting European Regions and
Cities) deals with the effects of demographic and migratory flows on European regions and cities
and examines the latter’s implications for regional competitiveness and European cohesion. The
Interim Report reveals the results obtained so far in analysing demographic and migration
differences across NUTS2 regions since 2000. In particular, it shows that the percentage of
regions experiencing population decline has increased further, from 27% in the 1990s to 30% in
the years 2000-2006. Likewise, there are more regions with a high percentage of people aged 65
or over.
The aim of the EDORA project (European Development Opportunities in Rural Areas) is to
develop a better understanding of the development opportunities and challenges facing diverse
types of rural areas in Europe. The Interim Report identifies three “Grand Narratives” of rural
change that may be defined as overarching social and economic trends which play a role in the
differentiation of rural areas. The original rationale for the project has been reinforced by the
onset of the recession, which will pose challenges and present opportunities for rural Europe.
The FOCI project (Future Orientations for Cities) aims at creating a better understanding of the
future development opportunities of cities and urban agglomerations in Europe. This analysis is
to support policymakers in taking decisions on urban development. It identifies the driving forces
of urban development which are the most relevant for understanding urban evolutions and offer
scenarios for the development of Europe’s cities leading to alternative policy options. In
particular, the possible impacts on changes in evolutions due to the financial and economic crises
are carefully listed and form an important source for inspiration and debate amongst both
scientists as well as policy makers.
The three projects will deliver their Draft Final Reports on 30 April 2010 and their Final Report
on 30 September 2010.
The Interim Reports, as well as all background documents, are available for free downloading at
the ESPON Website www.espon.eu

Source  Press releases - ESPON

More information  Press releases - ESPON

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