Brussels, 16/05/2000 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has adopted the programming document for aid for Hainaut (Belgium) under Objective 1 of regional policy. The guidelines for Community intervention will be: a) supporting projects for investment and the development of information technologies; b) the enhancement of agriculture, forestry and aquaculture; c) the rehabilitation of former industrial zones; d) training, combating unemployment and improving integration into the labour market.
The Hainaut programming document carries with it EUR 645 million for 2000-2006. This is not properly speaking a "less developed" region, since the per capita GDP in Hainaut now exceeds 75% of the Community average, the criterion for full entitlement to objective 1 assistance. The global appropriation mentioned is meant to ensure the transition from the period 1993-1999, during which Hainaut was fully eligible.
The preparation of other programming documents is also advancing. The two Swedish documents are expected to be adopted on Wednesday. The forthcoming adoption of the Irish and German programming documents seems certain now that the authorities of these countries have submitted lists of protected natural zones, required under the Habitat directive.