EU Structural Funds Presentation to Chief Executives 9 May 2006 Hillgrove Hotel Monaghan

Context 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 INTERREG three strands – –Cross border (53 Programmes throughout Europe) –Transnational (13 Programmes) –Interregional (1 Europe-wide programme managed through 4 zones)

Territorial Co-Operation 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 ( ) North West Europe Atlantic Area

Participation in Northern Periphery Programme

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 2006Draft Programme April 2006Wider Consultation Autumn 2006Detailed Programme Spring 2007New 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/NWRCBG Concerns 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 Programming What should be the strategic focus for the Cross Border Strand for Territorial Cooperation? What are the lessons to be learned from INTERREG for delivery mechanisms 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 achieve better integration and complementarity with other EU funded Programmes and with mainstream policy initiatives?