Brussels, 10/09/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 10 September, the Commission approved 15 operational programmes (OP) for the Hungarian regions: 13 operational programmes funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the two European Social Fund (ESF) programmes. This decision paves the way for implementation of their new policy as part of the Hungarian national strategic reference adopted by the Commission last May (EUROPE 9423). Hungary is the sixth biggest cohesion policy beneficiary (2007-13) and will benefit from €25 million for the new programming period. Out of the 15 operational programmes, seven are regional and eight sectoral. The transport OP is the biggest with €6.2bn from the ERDF and Cohesion Funds. This is followed by the Environment and Energy OP with around €4.2bn from the same funds. The national contribution aims to complete investment from the EU, which now rises to €4.4bn.
ESF aid will be channelled into the two OPs: 1) Social Renewal, providing nearly €3.5bn for increasing labour market participation by improving employability and flexibility; 2) State Reform, €146.5 million for improving public administration.
Hungary will participate in OPs adopted during the next few weeks on: cross-border cooperation with Slovakia, Austria, Romania and Slovenia; cross border cooperation between central Europe and eastern and southern Europe and inter-regional cooperation in the EU between member states. (gb)