Cohesion Policy set to give major boost to Lisbon strategy for 2007-2013

The reform of the cohesion policy is starting to bring tangible results and is reaffirming its role as one of the main Community policies delivering the Lisbon strategy for 2007-2013. This is the main message in a Communication the Commission published today. The document, entitled “Member States and regions delivering the Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs through EU Cohesion Policy, 2007- 2013” gives an overview of  national strategies and programmes prepared by the 27 Member States. It shows that most of the Cohesion Policy budget totalling € 347 billion will be invested in key Lisbon-related priorities, such as the knowledge economy, research, development and innovation, human capital and business development. Today’s Communication is part of the package which sets out key Community actions for implementation of the Lisbon strategy for 2008-2011 and gives an assessment of progress in achieving Lisbon objectives for 2005-2007.

Danuta Hübner, Commissioner for Regional Policy, commented: “This analysis proves that European cohesion policy is the main means for delivering the Lisbon agenda for growth and jobs. The new generation of programmes will boost investment in up-to-date technologies and will improve skills, helping regions move up the value chain to produce high-quality goods and services that can compete in the global marketplace. This is precisely the aim of the EU’s Lisbon strategy, and the new investment supported by Cohesion Policy will make it a reality.”

In the less developed areas covered by the Convergence Objective, Member States and regions intend to invest 65% of available resources in key Lisbon priorities. These Member States States and regions are still in need of investment in basic infrastructure, and this will take place simultaneously. The other regions, supported by the Regional Competitiveness and Employment Objective, have undertaken to invest 82% of funds available in Lisbon-oriented priorities.

The results of this reorientation are best seen in the area of innovation, one of the four priority actions for Lisbon strategy over the years 2008-2011. The investment in innovation will triple in the 2007-2013 period compared to 2000-2006, and will amount to €85 billion. In new Member States, the share of R&D and innovation will be four times higher than previously.

The impact of this investment will be enhanced by new elements introduced by reform of cohesion policy:

·         reporting mechanisms to ensure consistency between Cohesion Policy programmes and National Reform Programmes

·         greater decentralisation of responsibilities to improve delivery of the Lisbon process on the ground

·         an integrated approach to development, ensuring a cross-sectoral approach and a focus on growth and jobs.

 

Commissioner Hübner added: “The commitments taken by the Member States States and regions are extremely encouraging. Now the Commission will work closely with the Member States States and regions in an effort to achieve results that meet the high expectations of our citizens.”