Regions are becoming of key importance for industrial and employment policies and the location of business activity. The growing competitiveness between areas wishing to attract businesses forces these areas to mobilize their resources and exploit their potential. The qualitative aspects of competition are becoming increasingly important. They are frequently linked to geography and to regional structures, but can also be changed by regional strategies. Economic adjustment and modernization requires decentral structures.
Regions are thus important players in the global economy.
Regionalization permits balanced spatial and economic development, prevents peripheral regions from being disadvantaged and can cater for cultural diversity. Regional decision-making structures give the general population the chance to be more directly involved in the democratic process. I also hope it has enabled you to understand the European situation a little better and I thank you very much for the invitation to be present here today. Copyright European Union.