Brussels, 15/01/2001 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission approved the development programme for East Berlin, which foresees for 2000-2006 EUR 687,558 million in Community financing aimed at favouring the economic development and structural adjustment of the region (developmentally backward regions: Objective 1 of the structural funds).
Following the reunification of Berlin, the progressive restoration of links between the two halves of the city and with their immediate surroundings modified the economy of East Berlin and gave rise to deep changes. Many industrial jobs have disappeared that the services sector has not totally compensated, and this situation should continue during the 2000-2006 period. Furthermore, the positive fallout stemming from the opening of the East will only have their effects felt in the medium to long-term. The development strategy for East Berlin will place emphasis on the following axis: - the competitiveness of companies (in particular SMEs); - the development of productive infrastructures and the local urban aspects; - the protection and improvement of the environment; - training, access to professional qualifications and equal opportunities in liaison with the efforts for economic development; - rural development will be taken on by the ERDF (to the proportion of 75.3%), the ESF (23.7%) and, to a lesser extent, the EAGGF (1%).