1. EN Regional Policy EUROPEAN COMMISSION Communication of the Commission “The Outermost regions: an asset for Europe” Prof. Danuta Hübner Commissioner for Regional Policy Press Conference, 22nd October 2008, Brussels Version 4, 22/10

2. EN Regional Policy EUROPEAN COMMISSION  Reunion, Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guyana  Canary Islands  Madeira and Azores The Outermost regions (OR) at a glance Total population 3,9 million  0,85% EU’s total population Total surface 99.875 km²  2,5% EU’s total surface Distance from capital: 2.000 km (Canarias) to 9.400 km (Reunion) Convergence Objective: Réunion, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Guyane and Açores Competitiveness & Employment Objective: Canarias and Madeira

3. EN Regional Policy EUROPEAN COMMISSION Handicaps & Challenges  As recognised by the Treaty (Art. 299 §2): Major remotenessMajor remoteness InsularityInsularity SizeSize Difficult terrain and climateDifficult terrain and climate Economic dependency on a small number of economic activitiesEconomic dependency on a small number of economic activities

4. EN Regional Policy EUROPEAN COMMISSION How EU addresses handicaps and challenges EU cohesion policy strengthens the competitiveness of the OR and promote full integration of OR into their geographic environment EU investment: 7.8 Billion €, 2007-2013. “Mainstreaming" OR concerns and priorities: –Specific treatment in terms of Competition Rules and Taxation policy –Specific allocation within the Structural Funds –Special programmes (POSEI) for the support of traditional sectors

5. EN Regional Policy EUROPEAN COMMISSION CHANGE OF APPROACH Assets and potentials Biodiversity Renewable energies Study laboratories for climate change effects Niche products in agriculture Unique geographic position

6. EN Regional Policy EUROPEAN COMMISSION The renewed strategy: What do we propose in the present communication?  Ensuring an optimal use of all existing EU instruments ▪ 7.8M€ of EU investments through several policies ▪ 7th FPRD, long-life learning, training and education  Addressing the new challenges ▪ studies on migration and demography, economic impact of adaptation to climate change, marine environment etc.. ▪ measures to strengthen regional integration, high performance agricultural and agri-food sectors, start-up for young farmers  Strengthening partnership ▪ participation in on-going actions and EU decision making as well as thematic ad-hoc task forces (when needed) ▪ “Forum for “Outermost Europe”

7. EN Regional Policy EUROPEAN COMMISSION Conclusions The outermost regions are our regions. Re-position the seven regions in the EU setting. “Regions of opportunity". Discussion with Presidents of OR in Cayenne, Guyane on 27-30 October.

8. EN Regional Policy EUROPEAN COMMISSION More information on the Internet site of DG REGIO http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/themes/rup_fr.htm