Brussels, 25/06/2009 (Agence Europe) - On her visit to the Limousin Region (France) on Friday 26 June, outgoing Regional Policy Commissioner Danuta Hübner (so far no one has been put forward as a replacement, see EUROPE 9927) was keen to see how the region had chosen to direct European investment towards innovation, especially in the porcelain sector. She called on the regional and local authorities to continue their efforts, particularly in this time of crisis. “The aim must be both to consolidate the excellence of the existing poles, especially in the field of porcelain, and to guide and accompany small and medium-sized businesses along the road towards innovation,” she said.
The impact of the present crisis on the region's economy was at the heart of discussions. A range of measures put in place by the European Commission are available to the region as part of the European Economic Recovery Plan, the Commissioner points out in a press release. In particular, advance payments amounting to €4.4 million have recently been made to the region from the Structural Funds, to help start European projects more quickly. These payments are in addition to the €8.9 million already received in 2007 and 2008.
Between 2007 and 2013, the region will benefit from a European contribution of €262 million, €127 million of it from the ERDF, €51 million from the European Social Fund and €84 million from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). (G.B./transl.rt)