Auvergne among European regions

➤ Regions in Europe, a Europe of Regions In the context of a larger Europe and in the face of globalisation challenges, an isolated Region - one looking to act alone within its small scope - would not have the means to develop or for its territory to flourish.This is obvious: Regions need Europe.As soon as we hear about alternative,environmental- ly friendly policies being put forward for example, it is necessary to have a global perspective and to be open to an awareness on larger scales than the regional level. But the opposite scenario, a disembodied Europe incapable of hearing the views of the smallest and most fragile regions, would lose its raison d'être and legitimacy to take action: Europe must be attentive to its Regions to fine-tune its common policies and to act effectively. My invest- ment in the Committee of the Regions has convinced me of the importance of this "win-win "exchange:the Regions need Europe and Europe needs the Regions. This positioning study gives the Auvergne Region - ever concerned with boos- ting its appeal and competitiveness - the opportunity to assess its strengths and weaknesses in the demographic,economic and scientific fields and regar- ding employment.