Brussels, 27/07/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 27 July, the European Commission announced that it had concluded agreements with the Czech Republic and Ireland on their plans and priorities for the 2007-2013 cohesion policy.
Czech Republic. In their National Strategic Reference Framework, the Czech authorities explain how they intend to invest €26.3bn for 2007-13 in compliance with the Lisbon strategy for growth and employment. In practice, the Czech government focuses on the following priorities for the period: - boosting competitiveness and reinforcing the business sector by improving its productivity and speeding up sustainable economic growth. Increasing the relatively low share of expenditure on research and development is a priority, as is combating any "brain drain": - promoting tourism in the regions, which can help to create new jobs, is also high on the agenda; - developing an open, flexible, cohesive society. The aim is to create a modern educational system that will become the driving force behind an efficient, flexible labour market. The authorities also plan to cut red tape for businessmen by at least 20%; - improving the environment and access to transport networks and developing combined transport; - supporting economic growth and employment tailored to local potential and varying local conditions. The Czech NSRF can be consulted on: http: //http://www.strukturalni-fondy.cz/regionalni-politika/nsrr
Ireland: In their National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF), the Irish authorities describe how they plan to invest EU funding of € 750.7 million over seven years in line with the Lisbon strategy for growth and employment. In practice Ireland is focusing on the following priorities for the two beneficiary regions South & East and Border-Midlands-West: - promoting investment in human capital through upskilling the workforce, increasing participation in the workforce and activating groups outside the workforce by focusing on women, people with disabilities, single parents, immigrants and ethnic minorities etc; - supporting innovation, knowledge and entrepreneurship in the regions; - strengthening the National Spatial Strategy defined by the government. For further information (http: //http://www.ndp.ie/docs/NDP_Hompage/1131.htm ) and http: //ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/atlas2007/fiche/ie_en.pdf. (hb)