The members of the Arc Manche recognise and welcome the numerous possibilities available to them for carrying out further developing mutually advantageous political, economic and cultural co-operation in the Channel area.

In the context of an enlarging European Union, the members of the Arc Manche seek:

• Continued support from the EU through the Structural Funds for the sustainable development of innovative solutions to regional and local issues which affect the Channel area. While the members recognise the need for reform of the Structural Funds following enlargement in 2006, they emphasise it is vital to ensure that our local areas are not adversely affected by any changes that are proposed and that therefore a dialogue at senior political level is established between the Channel authorities, the institutions of European Union and the UK and French Governments. It must be stressed that EU regional funds should be targeted to redress disparities in wealth within regions as well as between regions.
  

• Encouragement of cross-border and transnational co-operation on critical themes, such as maritime safety, environmental protection and coastal management paramount for the implementation of an adequate infrastructure in the Channel corridor.
  

• Formal endorsement in future European treaties that Local and regional government is an essential element of European development and integration. There is vast potential for political, social, economic and cultural co-operation between European regions and the significance of such co-operation at national transfrontier and international level for the development of a united and cohesive Europe.
  

• Recognition of the Arc Manche area to play a vital role in increasing knowledge and understanding of European Union actions among the general public.
  

• Recognition of the three major areas of concern for regional and local government in the area and across Europe:
  
• Implementation: those implementing EU policy – often local and regional government – should be fully involved in its formulation development.
  
• Consultation: European institutions must consult widely with local and regional government on the impact of European decisions and legislation on the local level.
  
• Transparency: the actions and roles of European Union actions must be clear to citizens.
  
• The Channel region has very specific needs stemming from its geography, its location as a transport link between the rest of the World, Europe and the United Kingdom and from its heritage and status as a coastal region. For this reason, the issues which affect the region in terms of social, economic, environmental, transport, health and education issues must be approached in this context with support from the European Institutions.