Brussels, 23/09/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 23 September, the European Commission adopted the 2014-2020 Operational Programme for the Balearic Islands, worth around €270 million, with nearly €135 million coming from European Regional Development Fund for smart growth in the Balearic Islands and the RIS3 - Smart specialisation strategy, as part of the 2014-20 Cohesion Policy.
In line with the EUROPE 2020 Strategy and the principles included in Regulation1301/2013 on the ERDF and provisions on “investment for growth and employment”, investment will initially focus on developing a low CO2 emissions economy by promoting energy efficiency in public and private infrastructure and renewable energies. A substantial part of these funds will also help SMEs' research and development funds.
The Spanish operational programme based on the RIS3 accounts for a total of €5.86 billion, of which €3.9 billion comes from the ERDF. The objectives Spain has set out include: a 10% increase in companies committed to activities promoting innovation and connectivity for all through high-speed networks (30 Mbps), the digitalisation of business activities (50% of companies involved in e-commerce), a 40% survival rate among SMEs after four years and the introduction of online health and social services accessible to all.
For the new period, the EU has invested almost €28.6 billion over a six-year period, €11 billion of which goes to the transition regions, of which the Balearic Islands are part. €7.6 billion of this amount comes from the ERDF. (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)