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

EU: Estonia-Latvia Cross-Border Cooperation Operational Programme 2007-2013

/noticias.info/ 1. “Estonia - Latvia Cross-border Cooperation Programme” – Operational Programme under the European Territorial Cooperation Objective, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)


2. Overview

On 21 December 2007, the European Commission approved a Cross-border Cooperation Operational Programme between Estonia and Latvia for the period 2007-13. The Programme involves providing Community assistance as part of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for the regions of Lääne-Eesti, Lõuna-Eesti, Kurzeme, Riga, Pieriga and Vidzeme along the Estonian-Latvian border. Other regions of both countries can take part in projects as adjacent areas, receiving a maximum 20% of the ERDF funding allocated to the Programme.

The Programme falls within the framework laid out for the European Territorial Cooperation Objective and has a total budget of around €51 million. Community funding through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) amounts to some €38 million, which represents approximately 0.4% of the total EU investment earmarked for the European Territorial Cooperation Objective under the Cohesion Policy 2007-13.

3. Aim and purpose of the programme

The Programme area is characterised by Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of more than 10%, which is several times higher than the EU-25 average, however there are striking socio-economic differences between urban centres and rural areas. The aims of the Programme are to promote entrepreneurship, match the skills of the unemployed with those required in the labour market, and upgrade transport links across the region. The Programme will also promote sustainable development and economic competitiveness in the region covered, by taking an integrated and cross-border approach to economic, social and environmental development in ways that involve and benefit local people and communities.

4. Expected impact of investments

The investments made should result in better physical connectivity, enhanced joint management of public services and resources, higher numbers of business start-ups and tourism products, and more active local communities cooperating across the border. Business operators should benefit from increased capacity, while citizens from the region should benefit from increased knowledge through joint education and training activities.

5. Priorities

The Operational Programme is structured along the following priorities:

Priority 1: Increased Cohesion of the Programme Area [approximately 43.0% of total funding]

This priority aims to ensure better physical cohesion and integration of the Programme area by reducing isolation and increasing internal and external connectivity. Support will also be targeted at enhancing the joint management of public services and resources.

Priority 2: Higher Competitiveness of the Programme Area [approximately 36.2% of total funding]

This priority axis focuses on improving the environment for conducting business activities, with account taken of structural changes in the economy and the labour market. Support will also target business start-ups and development, help to increase the attractiveness of the Programme area and enhance employable skills and human resources.

Priority 3: Active, Sustainable and Integrated Communities [approximately 8.3% of total funding]

The focus here will be on boosting the attractiveness of the Programme area, making it a valued living and working environment. Support will also be targeted at improving the sustainability of the area by promoting the vitality of local communities and supporting cross-border social and cultural interactions through activities at grassroots level.

Priority 4: Technical Assistance [approximately 12.5% of total funding]

Technical assistance will be provided for implementing the Programme. Financial support is also available and will cover administration, monitoring, evaluation and control. notas_de_prensa_archivo