EU Structural Funds 2007 - 2013

Presentation to Chief Executives9 May 2006

Hillgrove Hotel Monaghan

Context 2007-2013

Impact of Enlargement

•EU population from 375 million to 455 million

•Population in priority 1 Objective region goes

from 84 million to 123 million

•Development gap between regions - Doubled

Future Cohesion Policy

Three priority objectives:–Convergence objective to speed up development of poorest regions

–Rest of EU – regional competitiveness and employment programmes

–Territorial co-operation – support for border and coastal regions

Convergence: Poorest Regions

•Modernize •Integrated and sustainable Regional Development•Research/Innovation•Infrastructure

•78% Budget Proposal

Regional competitiveness and employment

•Innovation and knowledge economy

•Accessibility and services

•Environment and risk protection

•Jobs, training

•People at a disadvantage

•Budget: 18%

Territorial Co-Operation

• Cross Border Programmes• Transnational• Interregional• 4% Budget

INTERREG IIIA 2000 - 2006

• INTERREG three strands –

– Cross border (53 Programmes throughout Europe)

– Transnational (13 Programmes)

– Interregional (1 Europe-wide programme managed through 4 zones)

Territorial Co-Operation 2007-2013

Cross-border programmes:

• Improving the economic and social situation of

those living on either side of the border

• Recognising the particular challenges of border

regions: geography, language, legal aspects,

administration

• Essentially local in nature

• Budget Approx 200 million euro

PEACE III

• To be funded from Strand 1 of Territorial Co-operation

• Aim: To address issues of “Community Cohesion”

• Budget 200 million euro ERDF – 7 years

• Need for more targeted and strategic focus

Territorial Co-Operation

Transnational cooperation– Will focus on strategic projects– Will cover large European zones– Reduction in number of zones from 13 to 9

(or 10)– Themes:

• Access• Risk Management• Environment• Innovation and SMEs

– Northern Ireland and Ireland part of North West Europe and Atlantic zones

Transnational Cooperation areas (2007-2013)

North West Europe

Atlantic Area

Participation in Northern Periphery Programme 2007-2013

Future EU perspectives on territorial cooperation

Interregional cooperation– URBACT – cities across Europe– INTERACT – building competence for cross

border, transnational and interregional management

– ESPON – building knowledge and data on spatial planning

– Cooperation between Regions –transfer of experience and know how

– Cooperation on mainstream structural funds– Thematic approach

SEUPB TIMETABLE

• Jan 2006 Draft Programme• April 2006 Wider Consultation• Autumn 2006 Detailed Programme• Spring 2007 New Programme Launch

EBRC/ICBAN/NWRCBG

Challenges:• Ensure continuity “Bottom up

Approach”• Clear meaningful role• Build on track record 2000 – 2006• Develop clear priorities• Ensure Ireland/NI Programme reflect

Border Corridor need

EBRC/ICBAN/NWRCBGConcerns

• Groups not yet consulted • No clear role identified • SEUPB “Form follows function”

Opportunities

EBRC/ICBAN/NWRCBG• Excellent track record implementing

Interreg IIIA• Non Financial Targets met• Clear need development ‘on the ground’• Political lobby strong

Key Questions for ProgrammingWhat should be the strategic focus for the Cross Border Strand forTerritorial Cooperation?

What are the lessons to be learned from INTERREG for deliverymechanisms for Territorial Cooperation? – 5 Partnerships or 3???

What can be done to improve Northern Ireland and the Border Counties’participation rates in Transnational and Interregional Cooperation?

How can PEACE III and Territorial Cooperation Programmes achievebetter integration and complementarity with other EU funded Programmesand with mainstream policy initiatives?