Brussels, 25/06/2015 (Agence Europe) - Within the framework of the England operational programme 2014-2020, adopted by the European Commission on Wednesday 24 June, over 40% of the planned spending, close to €1.5 billion of the €3.6 billion, will go to SMEs.
“This is of prime importance in England's goal to achieve success in their chosen priority areas, especially in supporting SMEs to make the most of their business potential”, stated Regional Policy Commissioner Corina Cretu. As a result, some 65,000 SMEs will receive support by 2023.
The other objectives of the programme focus on supporting the shift to a low-carbon economy, protecting the environment, energy efficiency, promoting climate change adaptation, risk prevention and management, sustainable transport in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, promoting social inclusion combating poverty and discrimination, in line with the goals set out in the EUROPE 2020 strategy.
With national co-financing, the England operational programme is worth €6.5 billion. In all, the United Kingdom will manage 17 operational programmes under EU cohesion policy, which will provide the UK with €11.8 billion for the 2014-2020 period. (Pascal Hansens)