About DC NOISE

 

DC NOISE is an Interreg IVB North Sea Region project. 9 regions from 5 countries in Europe work together to deal with the consequences of demographic change. The project runs from June 2008 until June 2011.

 

Demographic change is recognised as one of the three most significant challenges facing Europe and its regions. The others being climate change and globalisation. All developed countries, sooner or later, will have to deal with processes of demographic change. It consists of different trends:

• a population decline
• a shrinking labour force
• decreasing number of young people
• an ageing society, etc.

 

Demographic change is foremost a result of low birth rates, which are a direct consequence of cultural and socio-economic changes such as growing prosperity, emancipation of women, secularisation, etc. Facing the demographic challenge through means such as increasing employment rates, integrating legal migrants and shaping infrastructures and services in response to ageing are now widely stated, but have not yet consistently put into practice. The demographic challenges require different, but often integrated solutions Together the partners of DC NOISE are seeking to develop new approaches in practice and to share the lessons they learn throughout the North Sea Region (NSR).

Transnational cooperation can be the start of mutual European adjustment in policy answers to demographic change. Joining a transnational project means a possibility to exchange ideas, best practices and new policies and strategies on topics that are relevant in shrinking regions in Europe. It helps to bring the subject on the agenda of national and regional authorities and gives financial support, thereby creating the necessary conditions for experiment, finding creative solutions and new strategies, and be ready for the future. It also means a switch from thinking in terms of growth towards decline and an increased focus on quality instead of quantity. The partners in DC NOISE will work together in knowledge and concrete projects, aiming at a better future!

The activities within DC NOISE include both the process steps (raising awareness, monitoring and evaluation, participation and communication) and three specific themes on labour market, service provision and housing.

 

Budget

 
The total project budget is 6.134.002,00 Euro. 50% of the budget is financed by the European Union (ERDF).

 

The central aim

The central aim of the project is to ensure that the North Sea Region is ready to cope with her new demographic future. That means both dealing with the negative effects of demographic change and at the same time taking advantage of the opportunities offered by this process.