Brussels, 27/02/2012 (Agence Europe) - Nuno Teixeira (EPP, Portugal) is really hoping that his draft European Parliament report on the role of cohesion policy for the outermost regions will inspire the Commission, which is currently examining a specific communication, due to be published in the summer. His ideas were particularly well received by his counterparts at the parliamentary committee in charge of regional development (REGI) on Monday 27 February. The rapporteur would like a differentiated treatment for the outermost regions and explained: “We have to ask ourselves how these regions will apply the 2020 strategy when they already have to meet such huge challenges.” He deeply regrets that the draft budget proposed by the Commission for the next programming period significantly reduces the portion of European Regional Development Funds (ERDF) allocated to the outermost regions. In his draft report he appeals for all outermost regions to be able to benefit from a co-funding rate of up to 85% from the EU. Furthermore, would like to see funding made on the basis of other criteria in addition to per capita GDP. (MD/transl.fl)