EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 78/294

(2004/C 78 E/0296)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3509/03

by Helmuth Markov (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(18 November 2003)

Subject: Interreg IIIA: Future funding of Euroregion offices

Euroregion offices have to date been funded under the Technical Assistance' component of the Interreg IIIA programme. The Spree-Neisse-Bober Euroregion office has however recently learnt by means of an oral communication from the Ministry of Economic Affairs that as of 2004 Euroregion offices will no longer be funded under the ‘Technical Assistance’ component of the Interreg IIIA programme, but under the programme's cooperation funds. In addition, as of 2005 the level of funding will gradually decrease. According to the Ministry, the reason for the change in funding arrangements is a request from the Commission. This change in funding arrangements would cause particular problems for the Spree-Neisse-Bober Euroregion, which includes only one administrative district in Germany. It would be impossible to increase the membership fees of this district sufficiently to fund the office.

Has the Commission asked for the Euroregion offices to no longer be funded under the ‘Technical Assistance’ component of the Interreg IIIA programme, but under the programme's cooperation funds;

What are the Commission's general thoughts on the future work of the Euroregions, in particular in the area concerned, which is located on a border between the EU and the accession countries?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(23 December 2003)

The Community Initiative Interreg is implemented in accordance with the Guidelines adopted by the Commission on 28 April 2000 after consultation with the European Parliament (1). The Guidelines do not identify the potential final beneficiaries under Interreg, although they provide a number of opportunities for organisations such as the Euroregion offices to participate in the pursuit of the objectives of the individual programmes.

One such possibility arises under technical assistance for preparatory, monitoring, evaluation and checking measures necessary for implementing Interreg programmes. Euroregions can obtain support under technical assistance insofar as they are responsible for executing such measures. It is, however, entirely a matter for the Member States to decide how technical assistance resources are used. The Commission is informed that Euroregion offices are not at present engaged under technical assistance under the Interreg III programme Brandenburg-Lubuskie, although they provide advice to potential project partners.

Euroregion offices can also bid for support from Interreg III in other ways such as under the Micro Project Facility for small projects promoting cross-border integration between peoples. In many border areas, Euroregions are involved in such actions that also allow for support to be granted towards the costs of Euroregion offices.

The Commission will present proposals for the future of actions to promote cooperation in the Third Report on economic and social cohesion which will be presented to the Parliament and to the Council at the beginning of 2004. It is therefore too early at this stage to speculate on future policy in this field.

(1) OJ C 143, 23.5.2000.