Brussels, 03/09/2007 (Agence Europe) - The visit of Regional Policy Commissioner Danuta Hübner to the region of Hessen (Germany) on 2-3 September provided the occasion for the launch of the region's development programme, that was approved by the Commission on 25 July. The total budget for the period 2007-2013 is some €557 million, with around €263 coming from the European Regional Development Fund (approximately 1% of the total Community funding allocated to Germany under the cohesion policy 2007-2013). The Commissioner met Hessen Prime Minister Roland Koch and Federal and European Affairs Minister Volker Hoff to discuss the new opportunities the programme will bring for the region. She also took part in a meeting of the government of Hessen to discuss European affairs.
The main objective of the 2007-2013 operational programme for Hessen is the creation and safeguard of competitive and well-paid jobs by increasing the competitiveness of the region's businesses. There are four main priorities: (1) innovation and savings based on knowledge; (2) assistance for the creation of businesses and encouragement of economic competitiveness and jobs, particularly for SMEs; (3) enhancing specific development potential and reducing regional disparities; (4) technical assistance. For information: http://www.efre-hesse.de (gb)