EA coordinator for ECOS, Mr Witold Krochmal said that a strong industrial base is of prime importance to Europe's competitiveness and growth. He called for more flexibility in different structures of different strategies. He added that it is important to recognise that the restructuring process in cities and regions is a constant phenomenon accompanying our socio-economic lives. Restructuring should be treated as an opportunity for tackling existing and future economic problems. Local and regional level restructuring must ensure that objectives can be achieved which are in line with EU policies, whilst at the same time maintaining high levels of employment to secure an appropriate standard of living.