European Commission funds development of UK's information society
A draft plan approved by the European Commission will see 277 million euro granted to the United Kingdom, some of which will be used to support the development of the information society. The financial support will come in the form of a seven year regional development plan for the East of England and Wales, both of which are designated 'Objective 2' areas of the Structural Funds (areas undergoing economic restructuring). The plans are expected to attract a further 449 million euro in investment, 79 per cent from the public sector and 21 per cent from the private sector. 'The new programmes are designed to promote the growth of small and medium sized enterprises, to develop key business locations as well as to deliver help for the economic development of the neediest communities within the regions,' said European Regional Policy Commissioner Michel Barnier. Support for the development of the information society is one of the three horizontal themes running through the programme, all of which aim to lay the foundations for sustainable and equitable growth. The other themes are sustainable development and equal opportunities for men and women.