EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 78/7

(2004/C 78 E/0006)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3574/02

by Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(13 December 2002)

Subject: Outermost regions and enlargement

In the European Parliament's resolution of 25 October 2000 on the outermost regions (1) it is expressly stated that, on the basis of Article 299(2) of the Treaty, all acts which are general in scope should be accompanied by a simplified sheet drawn up by the Interdepartmental Group and outlining their possible impact on the outermost regions and the remedial measures required should that impact prove adverse. Particular attention is also drawn to the financial implications of enlargement.

In view of the above, would the Commission provide the following information?

— What studies and simplified sheets are currently available concerning the impact which acts general in scope may have on the outermost regions, in particular Madeira and the Azores?

— What studies are currently available concerning the possible financial impact of enlargement on the outermost regions (in particular Madeira and the Azores) and what measures are being envisaged in order to counter any detrimental effect?

Answer given by Mr Verheugen on behalf of the Commission

(10 February 2003)

The Commission generally pursues a comprehensive strategy for the outermost regions, in particular by coordinating and driving measures with an impact on such regions. It regularly reports on the objectives and measures taken or to be taken under common and Community policies, including an overall evaluation of such measures and a timetable.

The latest report was adopted by the Commission on 19 December 2002 (2) and has been sent to Parliament. Generally speaking, it shows that the sustainable development of the outermost regions calls for tailored solutions drawing on a number of Community policies and confirms the Commission's intention to pursue its comprehensive strategy for the regions. The Commission is planning a report on the subject for adoption in the third quarter of 2003, at the same time as the third report on the economic and social cohesion policy.

As for enlargement's impact on economic and social cohesion policy, there will clearly be changes. An EU with 25 Member States will see its territory increase by 23 % and its population by 20 %, but its wealth by only 4 %. Enlargement will reduce the Community's average GDP.

Enlargement has to be viewed in a wider context. According to Eurostat, 10 million people live on 286 minor European islands, 95 % of them in the Mediterranean region. In 2000, per capita GDP on these islands was 72 % of the EU average, and 87 % of islanders lived in regions eligible for Objective 1 of the Structural Funds.

In the Madeira region the period 1995-1999 saw per capita GDP rise from 63 % to 71 % of the Community average (EUR=15), while in the Azores it rose from 50 % to 53 %. There is therefore a risk that enlargement, by lowering the overall average GDP, will affect the eligibility of some of today's Objective 1 regions.

Among the studies underway is one concerning island regions, which includes a section on the outermost regions. It is nearing finalisation but is not yet available.

The Commission is looking at a number of options for the status of outermost regions in future economic and social cohesion policy. Discussions are still underway, and no decision has yet been taken. However, the outermost regions, like other areas with severe geographical or natural handicaps, will continue to be a cohesion policy priority in the future, and the options chosen will have to provide objective and even-handed solutions which reflect the outermost regions' specific needs.

(1) OJ C 197, 12.7.2001, p. 197.

(2) COM(2002) 723 final.