Programme of options specific to Madeira and the Azores (POSEIMA)
On 20 December 1990 the Commission submitted a proposal for a Council Decision setting up a programme of options specific to the remote and insular nature of Madeira and the Azores (COM(90) 687). These islands suffer from a serious structural lack of development aggravated by remoteness, isolation, small size, difficult terrain and climate. Such constraints make it necessary to step-up Community support to fully involve the islands in the dynamic of the internal market. An Annex sets out the range of measures proposed, relating to: Community tax regulations, VAT, excise duties; airlines; agricultural products, supply and prices, sugar, livestock, wines, tropical fruit, vegetables; petroleum products, energy saving incentives; steel products; structural assistance; animal and plant health; product diversification, agricultural investment; small businesses; access to new technology and occupational training.