Brussels, 03/08/2010 (Agence Europe) - On 20 July, the European Commission published a report it had commissioned from the Panteia group, in which the latter presents the main results, conclusions and assessment recommendations for the Community's INTERREG III (2000-2006) initiative. According to this report, “the INTERREG III Guidelines set out vague territorial development objectives and largely appropriate but overly optimistic objectives in relation to territorial co-operation”. Nevertheless, the report stipulates that, “INTERREG III Community Initiative generated significant outputs and results with around € 5.69 billion of ERDF-funding”. The report emphasises that some 12,000 networks and co-operation structures were created. The socio-economic results of INTERREG III interventions were substantial with projects directly or indirectly creating or safeguarding 115,000 jobs/employment opportunities and nearly 5,800 start-ups and businesses. In addition, the projects supported more than 3,900 businesses to use new strategies or technology.
The evaluation also illustrates that Some 12,000 networks and co-operation structures were created. The socio-economic results of INTERREG III interventions were substantial with projects directly or indirectly creating or safeguarding 115,000 jobs/employment opportunities and nearly 5,800 start-ups and businesses. In addition, the projects supported more than 3,900 businesses to use new strategies or technology. (L.C.)