47.

believes that the new Community budget framework must be able to ensure: a. that the least developed European regions as well as specific territorial entities with a permanent geographical handicap are able to consolidate their convergence path, e.g. by improving their competitiveness and thus ensuring more balanced economic, social and territorial development throughout the European Union; b. that wherever regions lose eligibility for support, fair and appropriate transitional arrangements are to be in place so that the results which EU cohesion policy has helped to achieve are not jeopardised. The regions concerned should be given equal treatment throughout Europe, irrespective of the Member States in which they are located; c. that such regions also receive targeted support for the development of skills, particularly in the field of innovation, as these already play an important part in ensuring EU competitiveness in a globalised world; d. that priority is given to a European policy for sustainable regional growth and competitiveness in which all EU regions would participate. Such a policy would enable all local and regional authorities to obtain appropriate strategic guidelines and financial resources for achieving the innovative investment needed to encourage the adaptation of their communities to structural changes in the economy, society and technology, as well as to exploit the specific conditions and potential of their territories in a global context, particularly SMEs, which form the backbone of the European economy; e. that a solidarity-based policy can be established to ensure equal access for all to infrastructure and services in the fields of education and vocational qualifications in order to guarantee all our talented people the opportunity to profit from the most advanced research opportunities. Local, regional, national and European authorities need to join forces to bring about a meeting at local level between the worlds of academia, research and business in order to encourage their networking at European and global level; f. that freedom of movement, which underpins the European integration project, is given a new impetus by stepping up investment in trans-European transport networks. Policy must be used to promote sustainable transport, links between different transport systems and, in particular, an interconnected trans-European rail network, which would help to reduce CO2 emissions and travel times and costs for both passengers and goods. There is also a need to foster the development of sustainable sea transport; g. that all European territories are equally well-equipped to face climate change, with the resources needed to prevent its causes and to adapt to its consequences, in particular for the benefit of the people and economic players hardest hit. Investment is needed in sustainable development models which clearly take account of local opportunities and constraints; h. that the Europe Union is equipped with a Community energy policy that is based on solidarity between Member States, security of supply and sustainability of generation, transport and consumption models and respects the freedom of Member States to choose energy providers The local and regional levels are best placed to provide innovation and radical changes in consumer behaviour; i. that there should be a European response to the management of migration flows, using the best of the solutions already tried out at local and regional level. It is essential that those facing emergencies locally on a day-to-day basis should be able to count on European solidarity and cooperation; j. that the local and regional authorities should be recognised for their key role in the implementation of measures for adapting to the effects of demographic change; k. that Europe should have modern, competitive, diversified and sustainable agriculture which ensures European food security and preference and maintains its presence in world trade, without omitting the concept of Community preference. Agriculture should be given the necessary support to enable it to become an instrument which improves our quality of life, preserves that of future generations and contributes to the fight against global warming, the preservation of our environment, biodiversity and the quality of our countryside; l. that Europe should be able to continue its neighbourhood policy and carry out joint projects with more distant partners. The Union's external relations should be able to count on increasing transnational and devolved contributions from the regional and local authorities. Emphasis should be placed on cross-border cooperation, given its importance as a means of consolidating peace, identifying and establishing joint goals and values, and promoting territorial cohesion.