Brussels, 13/02/2002 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday the European Commission approved a transnational co-operation programme between Portugal and Spain for the "Azores-Madeira-Canaries" area, funded by the INTERREG III initiative. It aims to strengthen integration within this area on Europe's outermost edge by developing its economy and strengthening its position on the world scene. The total EU contribution (ERDF) will reach EUR 145.1 million, with national contributions rising to EUR 25.6 million. The four programme priorities are: - Spatial planning and urban and rural development, (Community contribution (cc) EUR 15.5 million); - Developing transport and communications, information society and R&D (cc EUR 57.1 million); Fostering economic and institutional co-operation (cc EUR 21.3 million); Exploiting and sustainable development of natural and cultural resources (cc EUR 41.1 million). Additional Community funding of EUR 10.1 will be provided under technical assistance.