Brussels, 18/07/2000 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission adopted the single programming document (SPD) Objective 1 for the Highlands and Islands of Scotland region (United Kingdom). This region, which benefited from Objective 1 for the 1994-1999, no longer fulfils the criteria to benefit from this aid (GDP per inhabitant below 75% of Community average). However, it will benefit for the 2000-2006 period from "transitional" Community aid. This aid, totalling EUR 308 million, will be, according to the co-financing rule, complemented by British public and private funds to reach EUR 853 million. The priorities set by the SPD are the supporting of SMEs as well as rural co-operatives, the improvement of training, the development of access to information technologies and improving the protection of the environment. The Commission has already adopted SPDs for the British regions that are fully eligible to Objective 1 (see EUROPE of 26/27 June, p.15).