Brussels, 22/05/2013 (Agence Europe) - As the end of the current cohesion policy planning period approaches at the end of 2013, a number of big funding projects, each worth more than €50 million, have been given the go-ahead. This week, the European Commission approved cash for water management in Portugal and fast internet access in the United Kingdom.
Some €96.7 million from the cohesion fund will co-finance a water supply and sewerage programme in Portugal costing a total of €113 million, bringing twelve local communities up to European standards and creating some 60 jobs. Commissioner for Regional Policy Johannes Hahn, who approved the project on 22 May, said: “This project is a concrete example of how structural funds can both contribute to achieve environmental goals in compliance with the EU legislation and to develop the economy in the region”.
On 17 May, the European Commission endorsed €18.5 million in funding for North-West England to give the region high-speed internet access by 2015. The total project costs are just under €60 million. Small and medium-sized businesses will be helped to get access to new generation high-speed internet access. The Commissioner said: “Projects like this will have huge benefits for businesses and citizens. This initiative in particular will allow North-West England to seize the opportunities offered by the digital economy”. (MD/transl.fl)