On 20th of April 2016, the SEDEC commission of the EU Committee of the Regions brought to the table for discussion its opinion on the EU response to the demographic challenge. EA coordinator for SEDEC commission, Cllr Kieran McCarthy welcomed the opinion, underlining at the same time the enormous need for synergies between the EU and grassroots actions, as well as more coherence between the different funds and instruments that may be used to tackle this challenge such as CAP, Cohesion Policy or ERDF. ‘It is necessary to join up the dots more and coordinate’, said Cllr McCarthy. Sound family policies are extremely relevant in this context, as well as a particular focus on youth problems.
The CoR study on Labour mobility and Local and Regional Authorities has been presented during the SEDEC commission, looking at the EU mobility data, benefits of EU labour mobility, main challenges and risks, as well as some recommendations for policies to improve labour mobility. In this context, Kieran McCarthy raised the question of support for those countries that are being brain-drained, i.e. facing emigration of highly trained or qualified people.
During the debate on the Digital Single Market, DG CONNECT representative Ms Lucilla Sioli outlined the actions undertaken by the Commission in view of strengthening the digital single market and opening up opportunities for people and businesses in the digital economy. One controversial point brought up by the EA coordinator was the double-edged effects of E-commerce. On one side, digitalisation is much welcomed and rural broadband is now helping connecting people, while on the other side, small shops are facing the danger of shutting down due to the strong competition of e-commerce. Cllr. McCarthy stressed the need to find a balance and compensate the weak position that small business are now facing through adequate policies.