​During the Committee of the Regions bureau held in Turin on Friday 12th September, the European Alliance group President welcomed the focus on sustainable growth and the creation of jobs.  He in particular welcomed a number of initiatives by the European Investment Bank especially their new initiative to be able to leverage funds for new rural development projects via the pillar II of the Common Agriculture Policy.
 
Dr Silberg says that rural areas have suffered greatly during the last number of years with de-population, services being closed and these serious problems needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency.  The combination of CAP and EIB funding should give real impact on the ground.  The European Alliance group welcomed the Declaration of Turin which will be sent to a forthcoming Special Council meeting being organised by the Italian Presidency of the Council of the EU.