Priority I
Socio – economic cohesion through joint actions to improve physical, business, social and institutional infrastructure and capacity.
The priority is purposely stated in general wording to permit beneficiaries to propose a wide ranging list of actions to achieve the overall objective. As the first cross-border programme between the two countries, it is recognised that the higher level objectives should not impose too many constraints at the lower level. This priority supports actions to meet all the Specific Objectives, and provides a logical context for the measures.
Measure I. 1
Improving the productivity and competitiveness of the areas’ economic, rural, cultural and environmental resources.
This measure is specifically worded to promote joint efforts to achieve more effective use of the eligible area’s resources. Beneficiaries will include (this list is not exhaustive) :
• Local governments and their institutions, including public utilities, hospitals, medical and emergency services;
• Schools, libraries, Institutes of culture, community centres, cultural, historic or sporting associations, etc;
• Non governmental, non profit organisations;
• Business support organisations such as chambers of commerce, business centres, SME associations, sectoral associations, local trade associations, etc
• Regional Development and Local Development agencies;
• Authorities responsible for nature protection or nature parks management and public administrations;
• Public – and private – entities supporting the work force (job creation centres, job exchange services etc)
• Schools, colleges and universities in the areas, including vocational and technical training establishments;
• Euroregions;
• SMEs.
Rationale:
The analysis of the eligible area revealed the need to stimulate economic activity in the border areas through more productive use of the resources. Although at national level, each country has its own priorities, and is pursuing different policies to achieve this objective, there is a number of cooperation opportunities between neighbouring communities that will complement national actions.
Cooperation between local authorities to coordinate actions such as spatial planning, waste water and sewage disposal, emergency services and educational and adult training services could benefit communities on both sides of the border. Joint frameworks for cooperation could be established within the cross-border programme.
The success of small businesses is seen to be a key objective in both countries’ job creation initiatives. Cross-border cooperation between business support groups to work towards achieving a more advantageous business climate, and in developing a tourism support network to stimulate the growth of this sector, would have significant cross-border impact, and benefit both communities.
Further exploitation of the area’s natural resources is inevitable. However, cross-border cooperation is appropriate in all aspects of environmental protection, as both communities share a common desire to achieve this aim, but without damage to the ecology and natural beauty of the diverse landscapes of the region.
Cooperation in matching educational programmes relevant for the needs of industry, agriculture and the business environment of the area (e. g. tourism development) can be achieved by cross-border institutions focussing on innovative joint curricula and programmes, and sharing experience and expertise.
The cross-border programme cannot directly address the repair and modernisation of the area’s transportation infrastructure; however, cross-border cooperation between authorities in establishing priorities in this field will assist and influence national programmes to benefit local communities and economies; this is part of the additionality principle.
Measure I. 2
Cross-border initiatives targeting the exchange of people and ideas to enhance the professional and civic society cooperation.
This measure is designed to bring about a more intense cooperation between communities at municipality level in order to develop a common identity between both the inhabitants and professional groups. It will support smaller projects and people-to-people actions. This measure will benefit economic activities in the eligible area and also provide opportunities to celebrate their cultural, historic, ethnic, educational and sporting links. Beneficiaries will include (this list is not exhaustive) :
• Local governments and their institutions, including public utilities, hospitals, medical and emergency services;
• Schools, libraries, Institutes of culture, community centres, cultural, historic or sporting associations, etc;
• Non governmental, non profit organisations;
• Business support organisations such as chambers of commerce, business centres, SME associations, sectoral associations, local trade associations, etc
• Regional Development and Local Development agencies;
• Authorities responsible for nature protection or nature parks management and public administrations;
• Public – and private – entities supporting the work force (job creation centres, job exchange services etc)
• Schools, colleges and universities in the areas, including vocational and technical training establishments;
• Euroregions;
• SMEs.
Rationale:
The concept of international borders between communities in the eligible area is new, and could serve to divide communities. This measure will help reduce the marginalisation implications and promote continuing cooperation to achieve greater economic strength in the eligible areas.
The more obvious areas of cooperation are in preserving their cultural and historical connections; however, cooperation between local professional groups, looking for problem solving assistance at a local level, will help improve the productivity and competitiveness of local businesses. Cooperation between tourist support facilities to produce brochures, information, data bases etc. will generate additional business and improve the overall standard of services available.
The establishment and promotion of cultural or sporting events between border communities will focus attention on people-to-people cooperation to maintain and celebrate the traditions and customs of the eligible area.
