Brussels, 29/01/2003 (Agence Europe) - In the initial results of the study carried out on the islands, the Commission underlines that, "GDP per inhabitant of the island territories in the EU in 2000 could be estimated to be around 72% of the Community average but this average hides a large variety of situations". The results were presented in a stages report on cohesion expected to be approved on Thursday (see EUROPE yesterday p 13 and 17). The Commission estimates that the most significant handicap is being of small size distance, and highlights the mountainous character, as well as economies centred uniquely on fishing or agriculture as being equally disabling. The study illustrates that currently, "87% of the island population is covered under Objective 1 and 11% by Objective 2. More than 97% of the island population benefits from derogations contained in Articles 87.3 a and c of the Treaty on public aid of which 14% is at a rate higher than 40%". The Commission is keen to outline a new definition of what constitutes an island but intends to examine their need in order to possibly adapt the regional 2007-2013 package to their situation. "An island is a piece of land surrounded by water, there are thousands of them in the EU, the Commission does not have another definition", was the response of a spokesperson to accusations appearing in the English-speaking press. The study is expected to be published in April.
The Commission launched ten studies last year (mountains; relations between towns and the rural world; the territorial impact of Community transport policies; research and development in agriculture etc.). Seven new studies are going to be launched this year (territorial impact of structural funds, territorial implications of enlargement etc.).