Brussels, 24/08/2015 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission adopted programmes worth €3.56 billion for the Puglia region and of over €4 billion for the regions of Sicilia (€3.41 billion), Basilicata (€413 million) and Veneto (€300 million) from the European rural development fund (ERDF) on 14 and 17 August respectively. The programmes share the common aim of re-invigorating the regional economy, particularly in southern Italy.
Taking national co-financing into account, Puglia will receive some €7.12 billion, a significant proportion of which will be injected into the real economy, the European Commission says, including €1.1 billion for competitiveness, support for innovation and helping SMEs break into international markets and almost €672 million for research and development, including through public-private partnerships. The operational programme will also concentrate on protecting the environment and improving energy efficiency, as well as social and education services.
The same is true for the operation programmes adopted on 17 August, which are worth €6 billion once co-financing is included. According to Regional Policy Commissioner Corina Cretu, these programmes are “vital to Italy's recovery, helping the economy of the country to grow and create new jobs”. (Pascal Hansens)
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