B4-0172/96

Resolution on the second planning period of assistance under Objective 2 (1997- 1999)

The European Parliament,

- having regard to the code of conduct of 13 July 1993 on the implementation of structural policies by the Commission ((OJ C 255, 20.9.1993, p. 19.)),

- having regard to the recognition by the European Council in Madrid that 'the creation of employment constitutes the principal social, economic and political objective of the European Union',

- having regard to the Commission's communication on the adoption of the new programmes for the regions eligible under Objectives 1 and 2: Summary of results expected and secured during their establishment (COM(95)0111),

As regards the assessment of the first programming period

1. Regrets the severe delays in approving and hence implementing the Objective 2 programmes for the 1994-1996 period; believes that it is an absolute priority to avoid similar delays with respect to the 1997-1999 programmes;

2. Notes, according to the assessment drawn up by the Commission, that negotiation on Objective 2 priorities for the period 1994-1996 as well as their implementation were characterized by generally good working relations between the Commission and the Member State governments;

3. Notes with concern that some Member States have not fully entered into partnership with regional and local authorities and with the social partners in the creation, negotiation and implementation of single programming documents;

4. Observes also that, in their global approach, the regional partners have favoured productive investments and the growth of human resources;

5. Notes with interest that, according to the estimates provided by the Member States, nearly 650 000 posts will have been created or maintained during the period 1994-1996 thanks to assistance under Objective 2; calls on the Commission and the Member States to set up a comparative forecasting method concerning the impact of Objective 2 investments on employment, in order that the real impact on both long-term and new employment can be clearly assessed;

6. Reaffirms therefore the significance for economic and social cohesion of assistance under Objective 2;

As regards preparation for the second period of programming (1997-1999)

7. Recommends that this time, as much for political as economic reasons, the Commission should not propose a revision of the list of zones eligible under Objective 2;

8. In the event that a Member State chooses to take up the Commission's proposal of a marginal revision of Objective 2 eligible areas by swapping new areas for existing eligible areas, insists that these cases must be subjected to careful examination by the Commission, changes should be minimal, exceptional, and decisions taken on the basis of objective criteria in compliance with the regulation and resulting from any significant socio- economic evolutions, which have come up subsequently, or from previous erroneous evaluations;

9. If any Member State chooses not to exercise the option to swap Objective 2 eligible areas, asks the Commission to set two different timetables for the submission and approval of single programming documents for Member States which propose changes and for those who opt for continuity of their current Objective 2 list, in order to avoid delays for the 1997-1999 period;

10. Considers also that the long-term efficiency of assistance depends on respect for a certain continuity;

11. Requests the Commission however, in order to respect the indicative level of 15% of the population and for reasons of efficiency, to strive to concentrate more assistance on the areas within the designated regions affected most by unemployment and social exclusion;

12. Requests also that this re-examination should be combined with a concentration by subject on measures liable to have a considerable impact on the creation of long-term employment;

13. Requests that the Commission abolish the regional challenge scheme in Objective 2 UK areas, given that the administration of this scheme involves additional bureaucracy and brings no added value to the regions, and because projects are selected by government ministers and not by regional and local partners;

14. Recommends in this context that the Commission, while paying attention to the priorities of regional partnership, should give priority to the following subjects for action:

- encouragement, with special emphasis on support, for the job creating powers of SMEs, considering their capacity to create speedily permanent jobs,

- encouragement for the development of information technologies, new enterprises and new technologies, which are a factor in both reconversion and competitiveness,

- encouragement for the creation of environmental services which are a source of competitive advantage and new jobs, as well as social and cultural services,

- aid to urban areas faced with major problems as regards the rehabilitation of run-down industrial sites with a view to creating new industrial activities and services,

- measures to combat exclusion and promote greater equality of opportunity between men and women, in particular by promoting initial and continuing training;

15. Requests that, in cases where the administrative costs for organizing the programme are disproportionately high, they should be reduced as far as possible;

16. Emphasizes that Community endeavours to implement European regional policy objectives must not be frustrated during the second planning period by the failure of Member States to implement additionality fully;

17. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the governments of the Member States.