European Commission approves German-Danish INTERREG programmes

On a proposal from the Commissioner responsible for Regional Policy, Mrs. Wulf-Mathies, the Commission has approved three development programmes for the German-Danish border regions. The programmes are part of the Community initiative concerning border development, cross-borde...

On a proposal from the Commissioner responsible for Regional Policy, Mrs. Wulf-Mathies, the Commission has approved three development programmes for the German-Danish border regions. The programmes are part of the Community initiative concerning border development, cross-border cooperation and selected energy networks (INTERREG II) (1994-1999) and are worth ECU 36.2 million.

Three selected border areas are covered by these programmes:

- Nordfriesland, Schleswig-Flensburg, Flensburg (Planungsraum V) and Soenderjyllands Amt;
- Ostholstein, Luebeck and Storstroems Amt;
- Kiel, Eckernforde, Rendsburg, Neumuenster (K.E.R.N.) and Fyns Amt.

The Community's structural funds will contribute ECU 18.1 million in total, of which the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) will contribute ECU 13.81 million and the European Social Fund (ESF) ECU 4.29 million. The Community funds will be matched by funds from national, regional, and local authorities.

The overall objectives of the programmes are to strengthen cross-border cooperation and help the border regions overcome their specific problems. Specific areas addressed in each of the regions are as follows:

- For Planungsraum V and Soenderjyllands Amt:
Development of SMEs;
Energy and environment;
Research & development, education, and training;
Cross-border structures;

- For Ostholstein, Luebeck and Storstroems Amt:
Development of SMEs;
Tourism;
Regional pilot projects (primary sector);
Energy and environment;
Training, culture, and employment;
Infrastructure;

- For K.E.R.N. and Fyns Amt:
Development of SMEs;
Tourism;
Science and research;
Training;
Culture.

The programmes have been agreed within the framework of the partnership established between the Commission, the Member States and the regions. The programmes will be monitored at these three levels. Project applications will be decided at local level.

Countries

Germany, Denmark