21.10.2006 Official Journal of the European Union L 291/11 (Acts whose publication is not obligatory) COUNCIL COUNCIL DECISION of 6 October 2006 on Community strategic guidelines on cohesion (2006/702/EC) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1083/2006 of 11 July 2006 laying down general provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund and the Cohesion Fund and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1260/1999 (!), and in particular the first subparagraph of Article 25 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, Having regard to the assent of the European Parliament, Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee, Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions, Whereas: (1)  Pursuant to Article 158 of the Treaty, in order to strengthen its economic and social cohesion, the Community aims at reducing disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the () O] L 210, 31.7.2006, p. 25. backwardness of the least favoured regions or islands, including rural areas. Pursuant to Article 25 of Regulation (EC) No 1083/2006, strategic guidelines on economic, social and territorial cohesion should be established to define an indicative framework for the intervention of the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund and the Cohesion Fund (hereinafter ‘the Funds’), taking account of other relevant Community policies, with a view to promoting the harmonious, balanced and sustainable development of the Community. Enlargement results in a substantial widening of regional disparities in the Community, although some of the poorest parts of the new Member States have some of the highest growth rates. Enlargement therefore presents an unprecedented opportunity for improved growth and competitiveness in the Community as a whole which should be reflected in these strategic guidelines. The 2005 Spring European Council confirmed that the Community should mobilise all appropriate national and Community resources — including the cohesion policy — in pursuit of the objectives of the renewed Lisbon agenda, which consists of integrated guidelines, including the broad economic policy guidelines and the employment guidelines adopted by the Council. In meeting the objectives set out in the Treaty, and in particular that of fostering real economic convergence, the actions supported with the limited resources available to cohesion policy should be concentrated on promoting sustainable growth, competitiveness and employment having regard to the renewed Lisbon agenda.