Official starting shot for DC Noise

9 regions in Europe secured an important Interreg subsidy in June for the project DC NOISE (Demographic Change: New Opportunities in Shrinking Europe). This project will deal with demographic developments in the region. No less than nine European partners are collaborating in this four-year project (2008-2011) piloted by Regio Twente. Through this project, the partners are looking ahead and responding to future demographic changes. Furthermore, the great importance of developments in government policy means cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations. State Secretary Ank Bijleveld-Schouten is ambassador for the DC NOISE project. The official starting shot for this project will be fired on 8 October.

Besides climate change and globalisation, demographic changes are now recognised as one of the most important challenges within Europe. The first effects are already visible. Demographic changes show various trends, such as decline in absolute population size, decline in the youth cohort, ageing population, fewer employees, changing ethnic composition and increase in one-person households. These developments have consequences, for example, for the employment market, the support base for facilities, the housing market and the demand for care.

Press invitation

The DC NOISE start conference will be held in Resort Bad Boekelo on 8 October. In her capacity as project ambassador, State Secretary Ank Bijleveld - Schouten will welcome participants at 10.00 am. During the morning session, regional executive Karel Loohuis will speak on the ambitions of the DC NOISE project and Ms Bertine Jongerius of Parkstad Limburg will explain the situation in Limburg.

We invite you to attend this event, and you will find the programme attached. There is a short opportunity to speak to the State Secretary. That is possible after her presentation. If you are interested in this, please let us know.

More news