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“Member States and the Regions delivering the Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs through EU Cohesion Policy, 2007-2013
17.12.2007, 16:08
This is the title of a communication that the European Commissioner for regional policy, Danuta Hübner, presented on 12th December. The communication is a part of the Lisbon package and it was elaborated in collaboration with the Commissioner for social affairs and employment, Vladimir Spidla. It illustrates how the regions are implementing cohesion policy to attain the Lisbon objectives for 2007-13 and gives an insight in the national programmes and strategies elaborated by the EU27. It also shows that most of the cohesion policy budget (a total of €347bn) will be invested in key priorities in the Lisbon strategy, notably research, innovation, technology, helping workers adapt to changes in society, improved labour market access, mitigating the consequences of climate change.
There are now 450 cohesion policy programmes which will be created as part of the Cohesion Fund and European Social Fund, explained the Commissioner. The main changes come through the allocation of funds. Regions covered by Objective 1 "convergence" intend to invest 65% of available resources in Lisbon strategy objectives (+11% compared to the previous period programmed). Regions covered by Objective 2 "regional competitiveness and employment" are committed to investing 82% of the total in the Lisbon priorities.
The Commissioner was pleased that this, "is not just about investment. The projects go together with novel policies. Innovation is one of the keys in growth in Europe. People are ready to accept change, regions have strategies. Regions and cities, as part of their development are becoming more and more interested in the global context. They have to internationalise their way of working". In conclusion, Hübner said that the Commission would continue to collaborate closely withy member states and report on implementation of national and regional programmes. In spring 2008, the Commission will draft a detailed report on the conclusion of all negotiations on programmes for 2007-13.