Regions2020

What would likely be the impact of globalisation, demographic change, climate change, and the energy supply on European regions? Find the answers in the new EU Commission's report "Regions2020".

 

The report reveals that around one third of European regions are projected to experience a decline in their populations by 2020. The majority of these regions are situated in the new Member States of Central and Eastern Europe, Eastern Germany, Southern Italy and North-Western Spain.

 

Most European regions will be negatively affected by climate change. Southern and Eastern Europe will be exposed to changes in rainfall patterns and temperature increases, whilst regions in the North and West will be more affected by coastal erosion and extreme weather events such as storms.

 

All regions across the EU are increasingly exposed to changes in the energy markets. The analysis indicates that regions of Northern and Western Europe appear generally better prepared to face up to these challenges of the coming years.

 

The report concludes that the European policy framework must be adapted to help regions meet the challenges of 2020 and states that all regions will also need to find local solutions tailored to meet the combination of challenges which they face.