Fuente: © European Union
http://europa.eu.int

EU: Operational programme “Italy – France Maritime 2007-2013”

/noticias.info/ 1. Cross-border cooperation operational programme “Italy – France Maritime 2007-2013” – Programme under the European Territorial Cooperation objective, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)


2. General information

On 16 November 2007, the European Commission approved the “Cross-border cooperation operational programme: Italy – Maritime France” for Community assistance from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the European Territorial Cooperation objective in Belgium, Germany, France and Luxembourg. The total cost of the programme is 162 million euros. The maximum contribution from the ERDF to the operational programme is 122 million euros, which represents around 1.4% of total EU investment under the European Territorial Cooperation objective.

The programme covers the provinces of Sassari, Nuoro, Cagliari, Oristano, Olbia-Tempio, Ogliastra, Medio Campidano, Carbonia-Iglesias, Imperia, Savona, Genoa, La Spezia, Massa-Carrara, Lucca, Livorno and Grosseto and the departments of Southern Corsica and Upper Corsica along the sea border between France and Italy. The whole cooperation area is characterised by considerable differences as regards both size and population density.

The programme covers a total area of 49 269 km2, of which 40 588 km2 is in Italy. The population of the area is 5 036 977, with 271 856 in Corsica. The unemployment rate in the cooperation area is 9.8%, bearing in mind that Sardinia has an unemployment rate of more than 16%. The average GDP is 100.5%, as compared to 107.9% in Italy and 111.4% in France.

3. Purpose and aim of the programme

The cross-border cooperation strategy is aimed at improving cooperation between border areas in the fields of accessibility, innovation, making the best use of natural and cultural resources, and the sharing of infrastructure and integrated services, so as to increase competitiveness at the Mediterranean, southern European and world levels. This strategy also seeks to ensure the cohesion of the geographical areas in question and encourage job creation and sustainable development.

Particular effort will be given to improving telecommunications in mountainous or peripheral parts of the region, with the aim of bolstering the information society.

4. The expected impact of the investment

Implementing this programme will make it possible to improve access to networks, step up the development of innovation and entrepreneurship together, and promote the protection, management and best joint use of natural and cultural resources. Moreover, this programme will build up cooperation and encourage the creation of networks to improve access to public services.

5. Priorities

The operational programme has five priorities:

Priority 1: Accessibility [around 30% of the total investment]

This priority aims to improve access to physical and non-physical networks and transport services, so as to foster closer integration of these networks and make them competitive, particularly with a view to developing trans-European networks (TENs) and “motorways of the sea”.

Priority 2: Innovation and competitiveness [around 20% of the total investment]

Two main objectives converge in this priority, the aim of which is to encourage the joint development of innovation and entrepreneurship. The goal is to increase the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), industry, agriculture, crafts, tourism and cross-border trade with a view to building competitiveness in a wider Mediterranean and European space.

Priority 3: Natural and cultural resources [around 30% of the total investment]

The aim here is to promote the protection, management and best joint use of natural and cultural resources and the protect against natural and technological risks, so as to establish a joint programme for sustainable development and cultural promotion in the cooperation area.

Priority 4: Integrating resources and services [around 14% of the total investment]

The aim of this objective is to develop cooperation and encourage the creation of networks to improve access to “rare” public services, particularly in the following sectors:

* health;
* culture;
* tourism;
* quality of life;
* education.

It will also make it possible to strengthen links between urban and rural areas, thus contributing to territorial cohesion.

Priority 5: Technical assistance [around 6% of the total investment]

This final priority will provide support for the introduction of an effective management, monitoring and control system to evaluate the programme and its projects and handle its communication and publicity.

6. Managing authority: Servizio Attività Internazionali – Florence, Italia

Contact details:

Servizio Attività Internazionali

Regione Toscana

Via Cavour 18

I - Florence

Italy

Tel.: +39 (0)554382902

Fax: + 39 (0)55280155

E-mail: mariadina.tozzi@regione.toscana.it

7. Title: “Cross-border operational programme: Italy – Maritime France 2007-2013”

Type of assistance: Operational programme

CCI No: 2007CB163PO033

Decision No: C(2007)5489

Date of final approval: 16/11/2007 notas_de_prensa_archivo