Brussels, 26/06/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 25 June, the eight Outermost Regions (OR) presented their strategic growth plans to the European Commission to allow them to make best use of EU structural funds and policies to boost their economic development. In its communication, “The Outermost Regions of the European Union: towards a partnership for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth”, presented last autumn, the Commission called on these regions to develop their growth plans.
The presidents and vice-presidents of the Azores, Canary Islands, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Madeira, Martinique, La Réunion and St Martin were in Brussels on Tuesday to present their plans for the next planning period, 2014-2020. Didier Robert, the president of the Regional Council of la Réunion, indicated that the OR were looking to “change the paradigm and framework of the relationship between the OR and Europe building on three main areas: emancipation, subsidiarity and experimentation. These are the factors that well help ensure better coordination to achieve greater efficiency”. These strategic development plans focus efforts on improving access to the EU single market, competitiveness (economic diversification), regional geographic integration, job creation and tackling climate change.
The European commissioner for regional policy, Johannes Hahn, said that “the concepts are very promising”. He added that the OR face many challenges but also have a number of advantages: “The action plans will identify how they intend to make the most of these, with the support of the whole range of EU instruments. They will be crucial for the work ahead with the Commission and the relevant member states, in programming EU funds for the next period”. He highlighted the fact that, after the action plans had been presented, they would need to be implemented. The next OR meeting, in la Réunion in October, is expected to provide the next step for getting things up and running. Robert concluded that “everything now depends on everyone's political determination to step up to the plate, validate the plans and ensure follow-up”. (MD/transl.fl)