Commission to provide ECU 26.2 million for steel-making areas in Brandenburg
The European Commission is to provide ECU 26.239 million to support the economic conversion of traditional steel-making areas in Brandenburg. These funds are being made available, under the Community RESIDER initiative, to Eisenhüttenstadt (including the local authority areas of Brieskow-Finkenheerd, Schlaubetal, Neuzelle), Oranienburg, Henningsdorf-Velten, Eberswalde-Finow and Brandenburg an der Havel. Emphasis will be placed on the creation of new and lasting jobs through schemes in the infrastructural and environmental sectors, by promoting alternative economic activities and by job-creating schemes. The proposed measures include conversion of unused buildings, cooperation between businesses and research centres, creation of business-related databases, subsidies for job-creation schemes, and education and training for job-seekers from the steel areas. The measures are intended to benefit primarily individuals, SMEs, local authorities and local associations. The funding will come from two of the Community's Structural Funds, the European Regional Development Fund (70%) and the European Social Fund (30%). The distribution among the priority areas will be as follows: - Improving infrastructure and environmental rehabilitation: 27%; - Promoting new and alternative economic activities: 40%; - Promoting new possibilities of employment: 29%; - Technical assistance: 4%.
Countries
Germany