Welcome in Occitanie / Pyrénées-Méditerranée

The administration

Regional Budget

On Thursday, 2 February 2017, our regional officials voted to approve a budget of €3.44 billion, including over €1 billion of investments.
The Region aims to make Occitanie / Pyrénées-Méditerranée “a welcoming place and a land of possibility” that combines economic development, support for young people and employment and regional equality.

Agriculture & Winemaking

Agricultural operations are highly diversified across the region, and include winemaking, livestock rearing, fruit and vegetable production, organic farming, etc. Agriculture and the food production industry represent the largest economic sector in Occitanie / Pyrénées-Méditerranée, with over 160,000 jobs.

Economic Development

Economic development is one of the Region’s great strengths, bolstered by the “NOTRe” law passed on 7 August 2015. Occitanie / Pyrénées-Méditerranée aims to promote shared economic development, a source of value creation and social progress.
This is why our policies, in line with the wider European framework, target three major objectives: sustainable employment, innovation and business internationalisation.

Employment, Education and Training

Responsible for education, professional training and career orientation, the Region is behind innovative initiatives to ensure its 226,000 high school students, 34,000 apprentices and 233,000 students are able to achieve success. Our aim is to guarantee equality of opportunity and optimum educational conditions, while increasing access to training and employment and getting young people involved in regional policies.

Environment and Landscapes

The Region’s role is to ensure balance between different areas, working to enhance regional spaces and promote the energy and ecological transition. This momentum will be carried through in the upcoming ‘Regional Blueprint for Sustainable Development and Territorial Equality’ (French: Schéma Régional d’Aménagement de Développement Durable d’Egalité des Territoires, or SRADDET).
The Region establishes contractual policies for local development, in particular for mountainous regions, river basins and rural towns, as well as investing in digital infrastructures.

Coastline and Blue Growth

Occitanie / Pyrénées-Méditerranée is shining the spotlight on one of the region’s greatest natural assets: our Mediterranean coastline. The implementation of the NOTRe law will reinforce the Region’s responsibilities, as it takes on ownership of a number of marinas and port railway areas. By launching the Plan Littoral 21, Occitanie / Pyrénées-Méditerranée is giving new momentum to the coastal and maritime economy.

Mountains and Rural Areas

Mountains and rural areas make up the majority of our regional landscapes. In fact, 54.8% of our region’s total surface area is covered by mountains.
Rural communities account for a significant proportion of our population: 58% of our inhabitants live in towns and villages with between 200 - 10,000 inhabitants. Local and regional development is one of the Region’s most fundamental roles; in addition, Regional authorities must also work to ensure equality between these various areas and communities.

Culture, Sport, Solidarity

The values of openness, tolerance and sharing are at the very heart of the Occitanie / Pyrénées-Méditerranée region, and it is our aim to strengthen social links, foster solidarity and reduce social and regional inequality.

Transport and Infrastructure

Occitanie / Pyrénées-Méditerranée is aiming to homogenise its transport systems, providing an alternative to car transport for 61,000 daily commuters.