Brussels, 01/08/2002 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has approved an EUR 5.9 million programme to promote cooperation between the French island of the Reunion and its neighbouring countries. The Commission explains that this transnational cooperation programme for the Indian Ocean-Island of the Reunion area aims to contribute to the promotion of far greater cohesion and economic, social and territorial integration with the neighbouring countries, "in the aim of reaching sustainable, harmonious and balanced development of the region". Its five main objectives are: strengthening coordination in the field of the environment and management of natural resources; increasing exchange of experience gained in education and training; structuring the networks of the old economy; encouraging trade and knowledge of the economies of neighbouring countries; and developing regional centres of competence.