Putting local democracy into practice, in late 2016 the Region created a new consultation body, the first of its kind in France: the Assemblée des Territoires (assembly of local districts). The Region also provides support for priority districts and urban renewal projects, always striving to improve social cohesion.
The Region maintains a presence in Brussels through the “Occitanie/Pyrénées-Mediterranée” association, which manages a number of European funds.
The Region has set itself the objective of becoming the first energy-positive region in Europe, emphasising the energy and ecological transition, the preservation of biodiversity and natural heritage, improved management of water resources and the promotion of organic farming and the circular economy. The Region will create its own regional energy agency and engage in a consultation process to develop a Regional Plan for Waste Management and Prevention.
Ensuring equality between local communities and environmental protection
As a transport organisational authority, the Region has drawn up a roadmap for railway development based on the findings of the general assembly for railways and intermodal passenger transport (États généraux du rail et de l’intermodalité, or EGRIM). This citizens’ forum, held in late 2016, allowed us to establish ten new working areas regarding everyday train travel, equal access across the region, high-speed lines (HSL), freight services and railway stations. The Region also provides support for regional airports and contributes to road infrastructure projects.
Regional Policies
The Region’s role is to guarantee equality between all our local districts and to enhance their drawing power.
- Development contracts as part of the Plan État-Région 2015-2020 (€2.6 billion by 2020)
- Development contracts as part of the “inter-regional plan”: mountainous areas (Pyrénées and the Massif Central) and river basins (Rhône, Garonne and Lot).
- Supporting digital infrastructures (super fast broadband, regional networks, mobile phone networks)
- Implementation of a new policy aimed at rural towns, in order to improve employment and strengthen social cohesion, drawing power and quality of life.
- Development of the Regional Blueprint for Sustainable Development and Regional Equality (SRADDET).
Assembly of Local Districts
Launched by Carole Delga on 4 November 2016, our local districts assembly (Assemblée des Territoires) is a new form of local democracy that is unique in France: a forum for dialogue between district councils and the Regional Council, as well as between the districts themselves.
The aim of this consultation forum is to allow regional actions and policies to be undertaken at a local level, and to facilitate shared experiences between districts and help spread innovation.
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Key Facts:
- 19 local development contracts in 2015
- 33 regional development contracts in 2015
- ¾ of the population living outside the 2 major urban areas (Toulouse and Montpellier)
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Funding allocated by the Region is used to develop priority districts, particularly by strengthening social cohesion.
- Professional training and employment
- Establishment of cultural spaces and sports facilities
- Combating discrimination, creating new homes, etc.
- Supporting local associations and urban renewal projects in partnership with the ANRU
Key Facts:
In total, 11 urban renewal operations are being carried out across 7 sites, involving:
- Toulouse
- Alès
- Nîmes
- Béziers
- Auch
- Montpellier
- Perpignan
The Region is now responsible for several funds allocated by the EU to its Member States
- Establishment of a new representative body in Brussels: “Occitanie / Pyrénées-Méditerranée Europe”
- Supporting cooperation and international solidarity
- Aiding European and International Mobility
Key Facts:
Four European funds are allocated to France and delegated to individual regions:
- The EDF (European Development Fund)
- The ESF (European Social Fund)
- The (EAFRD) European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development
- The (EMFF) European Maritime and Fisheries Fund
