Brussels, 14/05/2002 (Agence Europe) - As already reported, the Commission has approved two cross-border co-operation programmes involving Greece. The INTERREG programme between Greece and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) will receive EUR 73 million in EU aid of the total funding of EUR 103.3 million. Commissioner Michel Barnier said that "with the approval of this programme, a new generation of INTERREG programmes in South East Europe is being launched." Aid for FYROM will be delivered under the CARDS programme (Community Assistance for Reconstruction, Development and Stability). The priorities are cross-border infrastructure (upgrading border crossing installations and border control and security, etc); economic development and employment; and quality of life, environment and culture.
Michel Barnier said the other INTERREG programme involving Greece was "an important tool for Greece and Cyprus in view of the accession of Cyprus to the European Union." The EU will provide EUR 47 million of the total funding of EUR 71.2 million. The programme's priorities are cross border infrastructure, improving customs facilities, border control and security installations; economic development and employment through the introduction of new technology, for example; and quality of life, the environment and culture.