COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT Role of cohesion policy in the implementation of the Communication "Putting people first, securing sustainable and inclusive growth, unlocking the potential of the EU's outermost regions" Accompanying the document REPORT FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS on the implementation of the Communication "Putting people first, securing sustainable and inclusive growth, unlocking the potential of the EU's outermost regions"
Date: 2024-10-03
Institutions: Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy, European Commission
Subjects: Azores, Canary Islands, European territorial cooperation, French overseas department and region, Madeira, peripheral region, regional aid, regional development, sustainable development

EN 

  EN 

   EUROPEAN COMMISSION  Brussels, 3.10.2024  SWD(2024) 227 final  COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT Role of cohesion policy in the implementation of the Communication "Putting people first, securing sustainable and inclusive growth, unlocking the potential of the EU's outermost regions"      Accompanying the document REPORT FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS   on the implementation of the Communication "Putting people first, securing sustainable and inclusive growth, unlocking the potential of the EU's outermost regions"          {COM(2024) 435 final}  
 
 
Contents 

1. 

Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 2 

2.  Selected statistics on the outermost regions compared to national and EU averages ........................... 3 

3.  Fact sheets per region ............................................................................................................................ 5 

3.1. 

Guadeloupe………………………………………………………………………………………...6 

3.2. 

French Guiana……………………………………………………………………….……………13 

3.3.  Martinique……...…………………………………………………………………………………21 

3.4.  Mayotte………………...…………………………………………………………………………29 

3.5. 

Réunion………………………...…………………………………………………………………37 

3.6. 

Saint-Martin………………………………………………………………………………………44 

3.7. 

The Azores…………………………..……………………………………………………………49 

3.8.  Madeira……………………………………...……………………………………………………58 

3.9. 

The Canary Islands………………………………..………………………………………………66 

4.  Additional notes .................................................................................................................................. 74 

Page 1 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1. Introduction 

The European Union (EU) has nine outermost regions, which are geographically very distant from the European continent: French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, 
Réunion Island and Saint-Martin (France), Azores and Madeira (Portugal), and the Canary Islands (Spain).  

This staff working document (SWD) complements the Commission report to the European Parliament, Council, European Economic and Social Committee and Committee 
of the Regions ‘Implementing the Communication Putting people first, securing sustainable and inclusive growth, unlocking the potential of the EU’s outermost regions’.  

The SWD highlights the key support of cohesion policy funds in each outermost region during the 2014-2027 programming periods. A factsheet per region analyses a 
number of selected key areas where the needs are the greatest and the impact of cohesion policy funds has been most significant. 

Page 2 of 75 

 
 
 
2. Selected statistics on the outermost regions compared with national and EU averages 

Region 

Population 
2023 

GDP  
PPS per 
inhabitant 
% EU average 
2000 

GDP (*) 
PPS per 
inhabitant 
 % EU average 
2022 

Growth rate 
2000-2019 
Real GDP per 
head 
(in million EUR) 
yearly average 

Male employment 
rate 
% 
labour force aged 
15-64 
2023 

Female 
employment rate 
% 
labour force aged 
15-64 
2023 

Unemployment 
rate 
% 
labour force 
aged 15-74 
2023 

Youth 
unemployment 
rate 
% 
labour force 
aged 15-24 
2023 

NEET (**) 
% of 
population 
aged 15-24 
2023 

Early leavers 
from 
education and 
training 
% age group 
18-24 
2023 

Median age of total 
population 
2023 versus 2100 
projections 

Guadeloupe 

410 013 

French Guiana 

292 092 

Martinique 

353 444 

Mayotte 

  309 981 

 Réunion 

Saint-Martin 

880 766 

32 358 
(2020) 

69 

57 

67 

18 

64 

- 

66 

40 

70 

30 

64 

- 

France 

68.2 million 

118 

100 

Azores 

239 942 

Madeira 

253 259 

Portugal 

10.5 million 

Canary Islands 

2 213 016 

Spain 

48.1 million 

68 

76 

85 

95 

98 

71 

79 

79 

68 

86 

EU-27  

448.8 
million 

100 

100 

2.2 

0.3 

1.4 

3.0 
(2014-2019: 
yearly average) 

1.7 

- 

0.8 

1.3 

0.9 

0.8 

52.8 

50.4 

59.9 

50.8 

38.4 

59.9 

18.6 

14.0 

10.8 

40.1 

31.9 

28.0 

16.2 

25.5 

15.2 

41.9 (2020) 

23.9 (2020) 

27.8 (2020) 

55.4 (2020) 

- 

13.0 

21.7 

13.0 

- 

52.6 

- 

71.0 

73.2 

72.6 

74.8 

47.7 

- 

66.0 

63.6 

66.9 

70.3 

19.0 

- 

7.3 

6.4 

5.9 

6.5 

39.3 

- 

17.2 

- 

- 

20.3 

19.9 

10.2 

- 

10.5 

13.0 

- 

7.9 

- 

7.6 

21.7 

- 

8.0 

-0.2 

66.2 

55.5 

16.1 

32.8 

11.1 

14.7 

0.9 

1.2 

70.0 

60.7 

12.2 

28.7 

9.9 

13.7 

75.1 

65.7 

6.1 

14.5 

9.2 

9.5 

2023: 46.5 
2100: 46.2  
2023: 26.5 
2100: 35.1 
2023: 49.2 
2100: 47.1 

2023: 17.7 
2100: 28.0 

2023: 38.2 
2100: 44.3 

- 

2023: 42.4 
2100: 47.5 
2023: 42.7 
2100: 52.3 
2023: 46.7 
2100: 52.8 

2023: 47.0 
2100: 49.5 

2023 (Gran 
Canaria): 45.0 
2100 (Gran 
Canaria): 54.4 

2023: 45.3 
2100: 50.2 

2020: 43.9 
2100: 48.8 

(*)GDP measured in PPS (purchasing power standard) per inhabitant in % of the EU average. It remains particularly low in the outermost regions, and ranged from 30% in Mayotte and 40% in 
French Guiana to 71% in the Azores and 79% in Madeira 

(**) NEET- young people neither in employment nor in education and training 

Sources: Eurostat, DG REGIO calculations (for indicator: growth rate 2000-2019 - real GDP per head) 

Page 3 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of medical 
doctors 
per 100 000 
inhabitants 
2021 

Human resources 
in science and 
technology 
% active population 
2023 

% households with 
broadband access to 
the internet 
2021 

% women in national 
and regional 
assemblies1 
2023 

% share of Erasmus 
participants among 
the ORs2 
(100% for all ORs) 
2022 

Region 

Exclusive 
economic 
zone (maritime) 
 in km2 

Guadeloupe 

95 978 

French Guiana 

130 000 

Martinique 

Mayotte 

47.64 

63 078 

 Réunion 

311 426 

Saint-Martin 

1 066 

France 

Azores 

11 691 000 
(world largest) 

938 000 

Madeira 

442 248 

Portugal 

1 700 000 

Canary Islands 

356 000 

Spain 

EU-27 

1 039 233 

Infant mortality 
rate 
Deaths per 1 000 
live births 

Fertility rate 
2022 

2022 

4.9 

9.8 

9.2 

10.1 

7.0 

- 

4.0 

2.9 

1.7 

2.6 

3.1 

2.6 

2.11 

3.55 

1.85 

4.56 

2.37 

- 

1.79 

1.35 

1.26 

1.43 

0.84 

1.16 

272 

223 

312 

86 

335 

- 

318 

383 

501 

562 

502 

449 

- 

1.53 (2019) 

3.3  

391 (2019) 

1 European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE). 
2 Erasmus+ Annual Report 2022 (ORs – outermost regions). 

27.3 

30.8 

30.4 

- 

28.4 

- 

39.0 

26.4 

25.9 

31.1 

20.1 

27.7 

35.9 

75 

79 

86 

- 

87 

- 

88 

88 

87 

84 

97 

96 

90 

48.8 

41.8 

45.1 

50 

51.1 

- 

48.5 

35.1 

40.4 

37.5 

47.1 

47.0 

- 

1.8 

1.6 

1.8 

0.7 

9.7 

- 

- 

5.6 

11.2 

- 

67.7 

- 

- 

Page 4 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3. Fact sheets per region3 

3.1.  Guadeloupe 

3.2.  French Guiana 

3.3.  Martinique 

3.4.  Mayotte 

3.5.  Réunion 

3.6.  Saint-Martin 

3.7.  The Azores 

3.8.  Madeira 

3.9.  The Canary Islands 

3 The ‘At a glance’ box included in the regional fact sheets use Eurostat data sources (except for exclusive maritime economic zone data). 

Page 5 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.1. Guadeloupe 

Page 6 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Youth Guarantee Programme 

GUADELOUPE 

At a glance 
•  Gross domestic product/capita (purchasing power standard) stands at 66% of 

the EU average. 

•  Unemployment (at 18.6% in 2023) and youth unemployment are more than 
double of the French and EU averages; youth unemployment dropped from 
42% in 2020 to 40% in 2023. 

•  Rate of young people neither in employment nor in education and training 

(NEET) is significantly higher than the French and EU averages; it dropped 
from 22% in 2020 to 16% in 2023. 

•  The percentage of households with broadband access to the internet (75% in 

2021) is significantly lower than in France. 

Youth 
unemployment 

INDICATORS 

GDP 
Gross domestic product/capita (purchasing power standard - % of EU-27) 
GDP/capita at current market prices (EUR) 
Population 
Median age 2023 
Median age projections in 2100 
Total population 2023 
Projections total population in 2100 
Total population projections 2100 as % of total population 2023 
Unemployment by age group 
Unemployment rate 15-74 (%) 
Employment rate 15-64 (%) 
Youth unemployment rate 15-24 (%) 
Research 
Human resources in science & technology (% of active population) 
QUALITY OF LIFE INDICATORS 
Access to education 
Early leavers from education and training 18-24 (%) 
Young people neither in employment nor in education and training 15-24, NEET (%) 
Tertiary education attainment 25-64 (%)  
Less than primary/lower secondary education attainment 25-64 (%)  
Access to ICT  
Individuals who used the internet at least once a week (%)  
Households with broadband access to the internet (%)  
Access to health 
Number of medical doctors per 100 000 inhabitants 
Number of hospital beds per 100 000 inhabitants 

Guadeloupe 
2022 
66 
25 300 
2023 
46.5 
46.2 (-0.3 y) 
410 013 
277 231 
68% 
2023 
18.6 
51.7 
40.1 
2023 
27.3 

2023 
13.0 
16.2 
27.5 
33.7 
2022 
82 
75 (2021) 
2021 
272 
567 

France 
2022 
100 
38 500 
2023 
42.4 
47.5 (+5.1 y) 
68.2 million 
69.6 million 
102% 
2023 
7.3 
68.4 
17.2 
2023 
39.0 

2023 
7.6 
10.5 
42.4 
16.3 
2022 
90 
88 (2021) 
2021 
318 
565 

NEET 

EU 
2022 
100 
35 400 
2023 
43.9 (2020) 
48.8 (+4.9 y) 
448.8 million 
416 million 
93% 
2023 
6.1 
70.4 
14.5 
2023 
35.9 

2023 
9.5 
9.2 
35.1 
20.2 
2022 
- 
90 (2021) 
2021  
- 
532 (2019) 

Page 7 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cohesion policy funds in Guadeloupe 

ERDF 2014-2020 

ESF 2014-2020 

ERDF mainstream: EUR 429 million 
ERDF specific additional outermost region (OR) allocation: 
EUR 98 million 

ESF mainstream: EUR 234 million 
YEI: EUR 38 million 

TOTAL: EUR 272 million 

TOTAL: EUR 527 million 
TOTAL Cohesion policy funds 2014-2020: EUR 799 million 
REACT-EU ERDF: EUR 170 million 
REACT-EU ESF: EUR 40 million 
TOTAL REACT-EU (*): EUR 210 million  (*) NextGenerationEU for ERDF and ESF (2014-2020) 
ERDF 2021-2027 

ESF+ 2021-2027 

ERDF mainstream: EUR 465 million 
ERDF specific additional OR allocation: EUR 94 million 

ESF+ mainstream: EUR 207 million 
ESF+ specific additional OR allocation: EUR 11 million 

TOTAL: EUR 559 million 

TOTAL: EUR 218 million  

TOTAL Cohesion policy funds 2021-2027: EUR 777 million 

TOTAL 2014-2027 (Cohesion policy funds and REACT-EU): EUR 1 786 million 

Key areas 

Guadeloupe  is  facing  major  challenges  in:  (i)  access  to  water  and  sanitation;  (ii)  circular  economy  and  waste 
management; (iii) education and training, and early school-leaving; (iv) employment. It is benefiting from substantial 
EU support to address these areas. In 2014-2027 (both programming periods), the total ERDF and ESF(+) support to these 
key priorities is EUR 802.6 million.  

(i)  Access to water and sanitation 

Guadeloupe faces significant issues related to the distribution and quality of both drinking water and wastewater services. 
The  loss  of  drinking  water  and  uneven  access  across  the  territory  both  highlight  the  pressing  need  for  comprehensive 
strategies to improve the water infrastructure and management systems. 
Disparities in water services 
Guadeloupe experiences unequal access to drinking water and sanitation, water loss rates reach 63%, and it faces: 

⁃ 
⁃ 
⁃ 
⁃ 

uncontrolled access in various parts of the territory, leading to inequity in water distribution; 
persistent service disruptions affecting certain sectors; 
instances of ‘red water’ issues, indicating possible contamination or infrastructure corrosion;  
a growing distrust of public water services. 

Sanitation and infrastructure deficits 
Insufficient  investment  in  wastewater  treatment  has  affected  the  operation  of  essential  wastewater  collection  systems. 
Despite efforts, drinking water supply faces major hurdles, and the quality of aquatic environments continues to deteriorate 
due  to  an  inadequate  maintenance  and  renewal  of  water  networks,  and  a  generalised  decline  in  the  condition  and 
performance of power systems that support water distribution. 
Strategic frameworks and support 
To address these challenges, Guadeloupe relies on several plans, including: 

⁃  Water Development and Management Plans for 2016-2021 and 2022-2027; 
⁃  Eau DOM Plan of 2016 for sustainable access to quality water and improving wastewater management; 
⁃  Drinking Water Priority Action Plan for 2018-2020; 
⁃  Plan to combat leaks and the Multiannual Intervention Programme (PPI) from 2019-2024;  
⁃  Convergence and Transformation Plan to rebuild the capacity of the water and sanitation services. 

Cohesion policy programmes 

EU  funds, specifically the regional  programmes under cohesion policy, support these initiatives by enhancing access to 
high-quality water and improved wastewater treatment. Both the 2014-2020 and 2021-2027 programmes set out targets for 
2023 and 2029, respectively. To address water management challenges, it is thus necessary to invest in infrastructure. 

Page 8 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Support provided under the 2014-2020 programmes 

The programme for Guadeloupe planned to invest EUR 68 million from the ERDF in access to water and sanitation. It set 
out result indicators such as the distribution network performance and output indicators such as the number of the additional 
population served by improved  water  supply.  EUR  43.8  million has  been  invested and the  following  targets  have  been 
reached:  287 907  people  with  improved  water  supply  (2023);  9  748  people  with  improved  sanitation  (2023);  39.55 % 
efficiency of the distribution network (2022); and 76 938 sewerage subscribers (2021).  

Renewal Capesterre-Belle-Eau Drinking Water Project 

Total budget: EUR 6 million (EU support: EUR 4.2 million) Year of implementation: 2021 

Under the Water Priority Action Plan, the region supports local authorities in the work needed to improve and secure the 
supply of drinking water throughout Guadeloupe. A diagnosis of drinking water infrastructure carried out in Capesterre-
Belle-Eau in 2018 highlighted that the municipality suffers significant leaks because of ageing of grey cast iron pipes. 
These  water  losses  lead  to  overexploitation  of  water  resources  and  significant  reductions  in  pressure  on  distribution 
facilities. Therefore, many sectors of Capesterre-Belle-Eau and downstream of the municipality cannot be supplied with 
drinking water. Targeted work was undertaken to remedy these shortcomings, consisting of the renewal of approximately 
15 km of drinking water networks (distribution), the renewal of connections to this grid line, the installation of pressure 
stabilisers, and the renewal of approximately 6 km of drinking water supply/discharge networks. 

Support envisaged under the 2021-2027 programmes 

The ERDF plans to invest EUR 80 million in access to water and sanitation. By 2029, it aims at connecting 119 000 people 
with improved public water supply and to reduce water losses in distribution of public water supply by 2 million m3 per 
year (actual loss is 7.5 million m3 per year). It aims at increasing the waste water treatment capacity to reach 18 758 more 
people and to improve drinking water treatment capacity to 2 783 m3/h. 

(ii)  Circular economy and waste management 

Guadeloupe  faces  significant  challenges  in  managing  waste  due  to  limited  land  availability  for  landfills,  high  waste 
generation, and the logistical complexities of waste transport and treatment. The increased generation of waste, following 
natural disasters such as tropical storms and hurricanes,  worsens the situation. These factors complicate the disposal of 
residual household waste and the transportation of waste between islands. To achieve a ‘zero waste’ status by 2035, the 
French government and regional authorities have introduced policies and plans to support waste reduction and promote a 
circular economy. This includes targets for reducing landfill waste, increasing recycling rates, and supporting innovation in 
sustainable materials and products in line with existing plans, such as: 

- 
- 
- 
- 

the Overseas Trajectory 5.0; 
the Convergence and Transformation Plan; 
the Regional Development Plan (SAR);  
the Regional Waste Prevention and Management Plan. 

These plans aim to reduce household waste, drastically limit landfill use, and support a shift towards recycling, material 
recovery, and energy recovery. These efforts are supported by EU funds, contributing to higher recycling and recovery rates. 
The regional waste prevention and management plan sets targets, such as reducing the production of household and similar 
waste by 10% per inhabitant from 2012 to 2026 and halving the production of residual household waste from nearly 146 000 
tonnes in 2016 to less than 70 000 tonnes in 2032. This plan aims to reduce landfilling by 91% by weight, and to achieve 
redirection of 68% of waste towards recycling and recovery sectors, with 21% of energy recovery. 

Recycling and reduction efforts 
There have been efforts to improve recycling rates and reduce waste generation, including recycling programmes, improving 
waste collection services, and raising public awareness about the importance of waste reduction and recycling. However, 
the effectiveness of these initiatives has varied, and increasing recycling rates remains a challenge. 

Page 9 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
Circular economy initiatives 
Guadeloupe is showing a growing interest in developing a circular economy, where resources are reused, repaired, and 
recycled  to  extend  their  lifespan  and  minimise  waste.  This  includes  promoting  eco-design,  supporting  local  recycling 
industries, and encouraging sustainable consumption patterns. 

Cohesion policy programmes 

EU funds, specifically the regional programmes under cohesion policy, support these initiatives by setting out targets for 
2023  and  2029.  Guadeloupe’s  efforts  towards  efficient  waste  management  and  the  circular  economy  show  significant 
progress. However, the need for substantial infrastructural investment remains. The strategic application of EU funds, along 
with a commitment to the outlined plans, is essential to overcome obstacles and achieve the zero-waste goal for 2035. 

Support provided under the 2014-2020 programmes 

The ERDF planned to invest approximately EUR 47 million in waste management and the circular economy. EUR 28.5 
million has been invested and the production of household waste has been reduced from 370 753 tonnes/year in 2013 to 
239 460 tons/year in 2022. 

Total budget: EUR 5.7 million (EU support: EUR 4.7 million) Year of implementation: 2023 

Waste disposal site and waste transfer centre in Baillif 

People in the area of ‘Grand Sud Caraïbe’ (an agglomeration of 11 municipalities in Guadeloupe) now benefit from a 
new tool to help treating their waste located on the site of the former open landfill in Baillif. This is the  fourth waste 
disposal site in Guadeloupe, aiming to significantly improve the sorting and recovery of waste in this part of the territory. 
The ‘Grand Sud Caraïbe’ has made available land of 10 700 m², making it the archipelago’s largest sorting complex. 
This facility addresses the environmental and health challenge of sorting waste, encourages environmentally friendly 
behaviour and prevents health risks. The equipment also has a ‘data collection’ space. In addition to the waste disposal 
site, the transfer quay is intended to group the collected waste before transporting it to appropriate treatment centres, 
reducing costs for the community and reducing the environmental impact of transport. 

Support envisaged under the 2021-2027 programmes 

The ERDF plans to invest approximately EUR 61 million in waste management and the circular economy. By 2029, the 
programme aims at increasing total household waste devoted to energy recovery by 23 000 additional households and to 
increase waste recycling by an additional capacity of 19 300 tonnes/year. 

Other relevant EU funds or initiatives 

The Interreg project SARGOOD (EUR 1.3 million budget – EU support EUR 0.458 million) aims to study the ‘sargasso 
brown algae’ in the Caribbean region (Guadeloupe, Trinidad and Tobago, and Anguilla) to better manage the biological 
clogging of algae and to develop biomass valorisation methods. Guadeloupe has been the managing authority for Interreg 
Caribbean for both programming periods (2014-2020 and 2021-2027). 

(iii)  Education and training, and early school-leaving 

Education constitutes a major challenge for Guadeloupe. In 2014, 20.1% of young Guadeloupeans were illiterate and 34% 
had reading difficulties (versus 7 and 11% respectively in mainland France). The share of 30-34-year-olds with tertiary 
education  was  much  lower  than  in  mainland  France  (27.3%  against  43.4%).  Apprenticeships  represented  11.5%  of 
vocational  secondary  students,  compared  with  29%  in  mainland  France.  While  some  education  infrastructure  is  well-
equipped, in certain rural areas conditions need to be improved to address maintenance issues, outdated equipment, and 
overcrowding.  The  cohesion  policy  programmes  have  contributed  to  increase  the  safety  of  infrastructure  against 
earthquakes. This will continue in the 2021-2027 period, in addition to the creation of a  health campus, linked with the 
development of an institute of maritime professions.  

Page 10 of 75 

 
 
 
 
Cohesion policy programmes 

EU  funds,  specifically  the  regional  programmes  under  cohesion  policy,  support  education  and  training  initiatives  by 
improving the quality and efficiency of education and training systems, by facilitating access to a quality inclusive education 
or training pathway, and by promoting lifelong learning. 

Support provided under the 2014-2020 programmes 

The ESF and Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) planned to invest EUR 272 million in Guadeloupe. A key priority was to 
invest in education, training and vocational training for skills acquisition and lifelong learning. The aim was to upgrade the 
knowledge, skills and competencies of the workforce and promote flexible learning pathways, including career guidance 
and  validation  of  skills.  Over  2 660  participants  benefited  from  this  measure.  Another  priority  was  to  strengthen  the 
professional integration of young people (644 participants) unemployed and not in education or training (NEETs).  

As regards infrastructure, the ERDF planned to invest EUR 80 million in strengthening public infrastructure against the risk 
of earthquakes. The programme has supported 4% of primary schools and 7% of secondary schools against seismic risks, 
protecting 5 687 students. 

Saint-Claude Kindergarten School and seismic vulnerability project 

Total budget: EUR 3 million (EU support: EUR 0.685 million) Year of implementation: 2023 

An  assessment  of  the  seismic  vulnerability  of  public  schools  in  Guadeloupe,  led  by  the  Guadeloupe  Municipalities 
Association in 2009, showed that the Rose Nelson school for children in nursery class, located in the city centre of the 
municipality of Saint-Claude, needed to be reconstructed. Technical solutions were proposed to enable the 132 children 
in five classes, as well as the educational community, to be accommodated safely. It was necessary to relocate the school 
to a site meeting the safety standards, town planning and national education rules. The aim of the rehabilitation project is 
to have a school with para-seismic standards as set in the Saint-Claude Urban Plan and to reduce the school’s vulnerability 
to earthquakes and extreme disasters, and to improve safety and achieve a more climate-resilient structure. The renovation 
of the nursery aims in particular to promote equal opportunities for school success for all children in the kindergarten and 
to maintain and modernise the school. 

Support envisaged under the 2021-2027 programmes 

The ESF+ plans to dedicate over EUR 88 million to the following priorities: professionalising and digitalising vocational 
education and training and opening up new fields of training such as health,  improving access to training and supporting 
upskilling and reskilling; supporting young people to prevent early school/university leaving. 

As regards infrastructure, the ERDF plans to continue supporting investments, with EUR 13 million for the new health 
university campus, and EUR 77.3 million to render infrastructure more resilient against the risk of earthquakes.  

Health university campus project 

Total budget: EUR 45 million (EU support: EUR 15 million) Years of implementation: 2023-2027 

The Guadeloupe region aims to develop a university health campus hosting the faculty of medicine, paramedical schools, 
a health library, a simulation centre and a research building; and to install a university restaurant and residence. The 
health campus project lies in the mutual use of certain buildings: library, simulation centre, and some common areas 
(outdoor facilities, sports facilities), accommodating almost 2 800 people. The library and simulation centre will host 
both medical students and pupils from paramedical schools. The Guadeloupe region contributes to the financing of these 
two  buildings.  The  regional  authority  is  responsible  for  the  construction  of  the  faculty  of  medicine,  and  for  the 
paramedical school buildings, the library, the simulation centre and the research building. The campus will be organised 
around a co-ownership between the State and the Guadeloupe region. 

Page 11 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
(iv)  Employment 

Guadeloupe faces multiple challenges in the field of employment. In 2023, the unemployment rate stood at 18.6% and was 
particularly high among young people (40.1% for the age group 15-24). 

Cohesion policy programmes 

EU funds, specifically the regional programmes under cohesion policy, support initiatives in this area by promoting self-
employment and the social and solidarity economy. 

Support provided under the 2014-2020 programmes 

The ESF supported good practices for young people in difficulty with the adapted military service and the second-chance 
schools.  Of  young  people  under  the  age  of  25,  who  are  NEET  or  in  precarious  situation,  8 975  have  benefited  from 
employment support thanks to the adapted military services. In 2023, the managing authority continued this support with 
an amount of EUR 13 million to train and support 800 additional young people. By December 2023, EUR 75 million had 
been invested. 

Régiment du service militaire adapté (RSMA) 

Total budget: EUR 10 million (EU support: EUR 10 million) Year of implementation: 2022 

RSMA Guadeloupe is a professional training centre offering quality training in various fields such as IT, accounting, 
secretarial work, cooking, auto mechanics, plumbing, electricity and many others. The RSMA provides its trainees with 
cutting-edge equipment and qualified trainers to facilitate learning. Thanks to programmes adapted to the needs of the 
local market, trainees benefit from quality training that prepares them to enter the professional world. 

Support envisaged under the 2021-2027 programmes 

The ESF+ plans to invest over EUR 62 million in the preservation and creation of jobs in order to address the challenge of 
developing and structuring the social and solidarity economy. It also supports actions aimed at promoting the integration of 
young people into the job market or at strengthening apprenticeship schemes. In addition, EUR 45 million are allocated to 
active inclusion, and social integration of people exposed to the risk of poverty and material deprivation. 

Page 12 of 75 

 
 
 
 
3.2. French Guiana 

Page 13 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FRENCH GUIANA 

At a glance   

•  Largest outermost region in terms of surface. 

•  Gross domestic product/capita (purchasing power standard) stands at 40% of EU 

average. 

•  Unemployment rate almost doubles the French average, but from 2020 to 2023, 
it dropped from 16.1% to 14%. Youth unemployment stood at 32% in 2023. 

•  Rate  of  young  people  neither  in  employment  nor  in  education  and  training 
(NEET) is more than two times higher than French and EU averages, but from 
2022 to 2023, it dropped from 29.2% to 25.5%. 

•  Human resources in science, as a percentage of active population, is above 30%. 

•  Fertility rate is one of the highest in the EU (3.55). 

292 092 

7 000 km 

83 751 km2 

NEET 

Unemployment 

INDICATORS 

GDP 
Gross domestic product/capita (purchasing power standard - % of EU-27) 
GDP/capita at current market prices (EUR) 
Population 
Median age 2023 
Median age projections in 2100 
Total population 2023 
Projections total population in 2100 
Total population projections 2100 as % total population 2023 
Unemployment by age group 
Unemployment rate 15-74 (%) 
Employment rate 15-64 (%) 
Youth unemployment rate 15-24 (%) 
Research 
Human resources in science & technology (% of active population) 
QUALITY OF LIFE INDICATORS 
Access to education 
Early leavers from education and training 18-24 (%) 
Young people neither in employment nor in education and training 15-24, NEET (%) 
Tertiary education attainment 25-64 (%)  
Less than primary/lower secondary education attainment 25-64 (%)  
Access to ICT  
Individuals who used the internet at least once a week (%)  
Households with broadband access to the internet (%)  
Access to health 
Number of medical doctors per 100 000 inhabitants 
Number of hospital beds per 100 000 inhabitants 

French Guiana 
2022 
40 
15 600 
2023 
26.5 
35.1 (+8.6 y) 
292 092 
591 746 
203% 
2023 
14.0 
43.8 
31.9 
2023 
30.8 

2023 
21.7  
25.5 
23.7 
47.3 
2022 
85 
79 (2021) 
2021 
223 
343 

France 
2022 
100 
38 500 
2023 
42.4 
47.5 (+5.1 y) 
68.2 million 
69.6 million 
102% 
2023 
7.3 
68.4 
17.2 
2023 
39.0 

2023 
7.6 
10.5 
42.4 
16.3 
2022 
90 
88 (2021) 
2021 
318 
565 

EU 
2022 
100 
35 400 
2023 
43.9 (2020) 
48.8 (+4.9 y) 
448.8 million 
416 million 
93% 
2023 
6.1 
70.4 
14.5 
2023 
35.9 

2023 
9.5 
9.2 
35.1 
20.2 
2022 
- 
90 (2021) 
2021  
- 
532 (2019) 

Page 14 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cohesion policy funds in French Guiana 

ERDF 2014-2020 

ERDF mainstream: EUR 294 million 
ERDF specific additional outermost region (OR) allocation: 
EUR 52 million 

TOTAL: EUR 346 million  

ESF 2014-2020 

ESF mainstream: EUR 124 million 
YEI: EUR 24 million 

TOTAL: EUR 148 million 

TOTAL Cohesion policy funds 2014-2020: EUR 494 million 
REACT-EU ERDF: EUR 133.5 million 

REACT-EU ESF: EUR 31.5 million 

TOTAL REACT-EU (*): EUR 165 million  (*) NextGenerationEU for ERDF and ESF (2014-2020) 

ERDF 2021-2027 

ESF+ 2021-2027 

ERDF mainstream: EUR 346 million 
ERDF specific additional OR allocation: EUR 65 million 

ESF+ mainstream: EUR 145 million 
ESF+ specific additional OR allocation: EUR 15 million  

TOTAL: EUR 411 million 

TOTAL: EUR 160 million  

TOTAL Cohesion policy funds 2021-2027: EUR 571 million 

TOTAL 2014-2027 (Cohesion policy funds and REACT-EU): EUR 1 230 million 

Key areas 

French Guiana is facing major challenges in: (i) access to water and sanitation; (ii) broadband and digitalisation; (iii) 
education, guidance and training, and early school-leaving; (iv) social inclusion. It is benefiting from substantial EU 
support to address these areas. In 2014-2027 (both programming periods), the total ERDF and ESF(+) support to these key 
priorities is EUR 385 million. 

(i)  Access to water and sanitation 

Access to water and sanitation remains a major challenge for French Guiana.  Despite abundant water resources (heavy 
annual rainfall  and  an  exceptionally  dense  hydrographic  network), it  is  estimated  that  15%  of the  population  in  French 
Guiana does not have access to drinking water and around 21% of the population is deprived of sanitation services. The 
quantitative and qualitative infrastructure shortages (particularly in isolated inland areas) and the increasing demographic 
pressure (French Guiana has the highest growth rate in France, population is estimated to double between 2014 and 2050) 
contribute to the deterioration in water quality and to increases in informal settlements. 

Plans and strategies 

The Water Development and Management Masterplan (SDAGE) provides the strategic orientations for the region’s water 
policy over a 6-year period. As part of the French Overseas Departments’ National Water Plan (Plan Eau DOM, 2016), 5-
year  ‘progress  contracts’  have  been  signed  with  local  authorities  in  French  Guiana.  These  contracts  specify,  for  each 
municipality,  the  short,  medium  and  long-term  actions  to  be  implemented,  particularly  regarding  asset  management, 
planning, drinking water service and wastewater service. 

Water supply 

In French Guiana, coastal municipalities mainly use water of surface origin. However, river waters are often exposed to 
pollution  from  human  activities,  especially  in  the  most  populated  areas.  While  the  entire  coastline  is  served  by  public 
networks that deliver good quality water to the connected populations, some areas of spontaneous habitation are still not 
connected. People are obliged to ensure their water supply from wells, by recovering rainwater or by extracting river water 
for their domestic needs. Bacteriological analyses generally classify these waters as unfit for human consumption. Illegal 
gold mining also disrupts local hydrosystems and ecosystems, notably through mercury and waste pollution. Despite EU 
support, delays in providing adequate infrastructure are still significant. The territorial diagnosis reveals weaknesses in the 
sustainability of existing infrastructure and the master plans of municipalities, especially when considering the population 
growth (Upper and Lower-Maroni regions). Some authorities have financial difficulties to finance infrastructure projects. 

Cohesion policy programmes 

EU funds, specifically the regional programmes under cohesion policy, support these initiatives by focusing investments on 
the access to safe drinking water for the growing population and sanitation infrastructure, especially in urban areas. 

Page 15 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Support provided under the 2014-2020 programmes 

The ERDF invested the amount of EUR 19 million in access to water and sanitation. These investments in 2014-2020 were 
a continuation of previous programmes to improve the water supply. Through the implementation of appropriate treatments 
and the improvement of networks, the objective consisted in increasing production capacity and improving the quality of 
water distributed. As for sanitation, the strategy was to increase capacity to meet the growing needs of urban areas, with 
operations related to the restructuring, construction and connection of urban drinking water and sanitation networks,  and 
arrangements for monitoring, analysing and reporting bathing water. The ERDF improved access to drinking water for 5 045 
people and access to sanitation for 7 017 people in French Guiana (December 2023). Between 2014 and 2021, the share of 
the  population  with  access  to  drinking  water  increased  by  almost  4%,  despite  exponential  population  and  spontaneous 
dwellings growth. 

Support envisaged under the 2021-2027 programmes 

The ERDF plans  to invest EUR 36 million in access to drinking water (for almost 19 800 people) and  in the quality of 
sanitation infrastructure (for around 15 800 people). It aims to finance 50 km of drinking water networks - in particular for 
populated areas not yet served; 25 km of sewerage pipelines and water treatment installations (i.e. collection, transport, 
storage and purification); studies and support activities. The current Water Office Multiannual Plan (2021-2027) plans to 
invest EUR 9.73 million (with EU support of EUR 5.8 million) in drinking water and sanitation (studies and works). 

Total budget: EUR 9.8 million (EU support: EUR 5 million) Years of implementation: 2015-2022 

Paul Castaing drinking water tank, Saint-Laurent du Maroni 

To improve access to drinking water in the west of French Guiana, the ERDF funded the 
construction of the Paul Castaing water reservoir. The project included the construction 
of a pumping station and a storage tank of 400 m³ near the Saint-Louis drinking water 
plant, the installation of 4.7 km of pipeline, the construction of a 3 000 m³ tower tank, 
the creation of an access runway, the installation of a gravity pipeline between the Paul 
Castaing reservoir and the existing Malgaches reservoir, and a distribution pipeline. 

ERDF support to DOM water plan 

Total budget: EUR 11 million (EU support: EUR 7.8 million) Years of implementation: 2021-2027 (estimated) 

The ERDF supports local authorities for the ‘DOM water plan’, with two projects planned in west French Guiana. The 
first would bring drinking water to 6 187 people (budget EUR 8 million, EU support EUR 6 million). The second, in the 
isolated municipality of Papaïchton, would support the treatment of wastewater in the province, based on a nature-based 
solution (budget EUR 3 million, EU support EUR 1.8 million). 

Other relevant EU funds or initiatives 

The  French  recovery  and  resilience  plan has  earmarked  EUR 50 million  for the French  outermost  regions and  overseas 
countries  and  territories,  including  French  Guiana,  for  the  renovation  of  drinking  water  and  wastewater  networks.  The 
European  Agricultural  Fund  for  Rural  Development  (EAFRD)  finances  similar operations  for municipalities in isolated 
zones.  In particular, the Rural Development Programme of  French Guiana supports water supply systems in rural areas 
(EUR 8 million), and wastewater disposal and treatment (EUR 5 million).  Between 2021 and 2023, 21 projects have been 
financed. Significant national funding, mainly from the National Water Agency and Aquatic Environment, enabled project 
implementation and a leverage effect of EU funds. 

Co-financed through the Interreg Amazonia 2014-2020 programme, the BIO-PLATEAUX project (budget EUR 1.2 million, 
EU support EUR 0.9 million) aimed at developing a common approach to preservation of exceptional water resources and 
aquatic  biodiversity  in  the  aquatic  environments  between  French  Guiana  and  its  neighbours  Brazil  and  Suriname,  in 
particular on the Oyapock (shared by French Guiana and the federal state of Amapá in Brazil) and Maroni (shared by French 
Guiana and Suriname) basins. The project also addressed shared human challenges across borders. 

(ii)  Broadband and digitalisation 

French Guiana faces significant issues related to broadband and digitalisation. The region is divided between the coastal 
strip, concentrating population and digital infrastructure and isolated zones with a large deficit in basic  communications 
(telephony,  internet).  The  remoteness  and  territorial  fragmentation  entail  additional  investment  and  operation  costs  to 
connect the inhabitants, administrations and businesses. High-speed coverage for the coastal area is key, as it accounts for 
80% of French Guiana’s population and the bulk of economic activities, research and health facilities. 

Page 16 of 75 

 
 
 
Digital  connectivity  relies  on  submarine  cables,  via  the  Suriname-Guyana  Submarine  Cable  System  (2010)  and  the 
AMERICAS II cable (1999, 8 000 km). However, the latter is the only infrastructure used by telecommunications operators 
to interconnect their digital traffic with the rest of the world. This affects the quality of telephony and internet, and regional 
competitiveness, education/training and social inclusion. In terms of digital connectivity, 3 out of 17 remote municipalities 
were only covered by 2G networks. A major challenge is to strengthen the  fibre network and increase the bandwidth to 
cover these needs. Progress has been made with the creation of a local public company for digital planning in French Guiana 
(SPLANG) to manage public digital infrastructure, the ongoing deployment of the fibre on the coastline, and securing data 
flows through a  submarine  cable  project in the  2021-2027  regional strategy.  This  will  complement  the  development  of 
digital skills of the population, a strategic priority covered under several ERDF objectives. 

Cohesion policy programmes 

EU funds, specifically the regional programmes under cohesion policy, support these initiatives by gradually bringing high-
speed broadband to the territory, especially at the coastline, and by increasing the 3G coverage in isolated zones. In parallel, 
the ERDF helps to improve digital services to the population. 

Support provided under the 2014-2020 programmes 

The ERDF invested EUR 34.7 million in broadband and digitalisation in order to accelerate fibre deployment and related 
services. This included providing 10 000 additional sockets connected to fibre or satellite networks and ensuring that 70% 
of the population in isolated areas is covered by 3G. Thanks to these projects, 17 additional city centres in remote areas now 
benefit from telephony, and FTTH (fibre to the home) connections are now available on the coast, between Cayenne and 
Kourou, and in the municipality of Saint-Laurent du Maroni. The ERDF also enabled remote populations to access digital 
services from administrations, schools or in the medical field. These actions target e-education, e-health and remote public 
services. ERDF investments were also supported with REACT-EU funding (EUR 39 million) for the digital transition. 

Local public company for the digital planning of French Guiana 

Total budget: EUR 6.4 million (EU support: EUR 2.6 million) Years of implementation: 2018-2020 

EU funds are financing the digital transition in western French Guiana (Saint-Laurent du Maroni). In a region with the 
weakest high-speed internet coverage in France, the ERDF has undertaken a digital development project of 120 km of 
optical fibre. It deploys fibre for 44 municipal sites, for sites of economic interest, and to ‘digital points’ that will be 
access points for the city’s least connected areas. 

Support envisaged under the 2021-2027 programmes 

ERDF investments are aimed at stabilising network access and ensuring connectivity solutions for the entire population as 
a driver for economic development. The projects concern: the densification of the digital grid through optical  fibre; the 
development  of  satellite  connection  solutions  for  the  coastline  or  interior  -  not  currently  covered  by  fibre;  and  the 
deployment of infrastructure for improved fix and mobile telephone coverage - in areas without fibre or satellite solutions. 
The  ERDF  (EUR 20 million)  aims  to  support  operations  of  strategic  importance  for  improving  digital  connectivity, 
including  five  FTTH  operations  and  a  public  satellite  initiative  network.  The  objective  is  to  provide  19 000  additional 
broadband or high-speed accesses. A close partnership between French Guiana, France and the EU can ensure synergies 
with national schemes such as France Relance, France 2030 and the convergence and transformation contract (CCT). 

Construction of an FTTH network, sector of Régina and Saint-Georges 

Total budget: EUR 9.3 million (EU support: EUR 4.7 million) Years of implementation: 2024-2026 (estimated) 

French Guiana plans to deploy an FTTH public initiative network to connect people to high-speed internet. 

Page 17 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
Other relevant EU funds or initiatives 

The  Connecting  Europe  Facility  and  the  European  Regional  Development  Fund  are  jointly  funding  the  Subsea  French 
Guiana project with about EUR 30 million and EUR 10 million, respectively. The project consists of building a branch to 
the EllaLink system, the submarine cable system between Europe and Latin America. This will directly connect French 
Guiana with the European continent and increase the digital sovereignty of the region by also improving the security and 
resilience of the European Space Centre in Kourou. 

The  Recovery  and  Resilience  Facility  (RRF)  finances  100%  of  the  programme  ‘Industrie  du  Futur’  which  supports  
industrial SMEs in deploying digital technologies and digitalising their production processes, including by using robotics 
and AI-based software. By the end of 2022, the initiative had supported one company in French Guiana. The RRF also 
supported the training of digital advisers hosted by local authorities and private actors from the social and solidarity economy  
(38 advisers in French Guiana). 

(iii)  Education, guidance and training, and early school-leaving 

French Guiana is facing significant challenges in education, compared with national and EU averages. In 2023, only 23.7% 
of its population had completed tertiary education (France, 42.4%). Almost half the inhabitants of the region have less than 
primary/lower  secondary education attainment  (47.3%  vs  16.3%  France and  20.2%  EU).  Early school-leaving is also  a 
major challenge, with 21.7%  of early leavers from education and training (France, 7.6%). A significant share of  young 
people (25.5%) is neither in employment nor in education and training (EU 9.2%).  

Demographic growth is putting pressure on education infrastructure in French Guiana and existing schools are not adapted 
to educate all young people at the level required. According to the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies 
(INSEE), the secondary level should accommodate almost 54 900 pupils in 2030, an additional 21 300 pupils compared 
with  2015.  The  occupancy  rate  for secondary establishments  is  127%  for  the municipality of  Saint-Laurent  du  Maroni, 
159% for Matoury, 112% for Cayenne and 135% for Macouria. Investment efforts are required to improve the territorial 
coverage of training facilities and to bridge the gap in the major infrastructure needs. There is also a lack of temporary 
shelters for young workers and of boarding schools to enable young people to access training and education throughout the 
region. 

Cohesion policy programmes 

EU funds, specifically the regional programmes under cohesion policy, support regional and national authorities in their 
efforts to provide the local population with good access to training, in line with labour market needs, while  diminishing 
early school-leaving. The ERDF invests in a better infrastructure in this sector. 

Support provided under the 2014-2020 programmes 

The  ESF  planned  to  invest  approximately  EUR 50 million  in  access  to  training  opportunities  for  the  local  population. 
EUR 43 million has been spent to support these actions, with a focus on vulnerable groups and their needs and challenges. 
By December 2023, about EUR 21 million had been invested and supported 2 530 unemployed. Additional funds (EUR 
31,5 million) were granted under REACT-EU, notably to support youth employment. 

The ERDF aimed to enable the entire population to attend school and training, in order to combat illiteracy and promote the 
acquisition  of  basic  knowledge.  It  invested  EUR 32.5 million  in  creating,  equipping  or  upgrading  public  education  and 
training infrastructure such as the university, secondary schools and colleges, but also primary schools, training centres and 
campuses.  The  support  focused  on  the  west  of  the  region  and  the  implemented  projects  also  improved  reception  and 
education conditions for 3 420 pupils, as of December 2023. 

Support envisaged under the 2021-2027 programmes 

The ESF+ plans to invest over EUR 20 million in adult learning, giving 1 833 job seekers access to training opportunities 
by  2029,  with  about  one  in  two  gaining a  qualification.  The actions  supported by  the  regional  programme  will include 
targeted investments to enhance the level of basic skills of the population, and to provide beneficiaries guidance and support 
towards  employment.  Regional  authorities  will  also  invest  in  measures  to  identify  labour  market  needs  and  adjust 
programmes  accordingly.  The  regional  programme  will  act  in  synergy  with  the  regional  strand  of  the  national  ESF+ 
programme, which will invest notably in the training of employees. 

The  ERDF  will  contribute  to  improving  access  to  training  and  education  for  schools  and  students,  trainees  and  young 
workers by developing new and improving existing facilities. The ERDF will invest EUR 60 million in secondary education 
infrastructure to accommodate an additional 1 500 people, including a high school and a college, of 900 and 600 places 
respectively, to meet the challenges of population growth. Other projects concern the creation of a university training hub 
in tropical health, training centres and new fixed and mobile technical platforms (buses or boats). The aim is to develop 

Page 18 of 75 

 
 
 
continuous  training  with  better  territorial  coverage  and  temporary  accommodation  for  students,  as  distances  between 
municipalities and a lack of transport infrastructure make travelling difficult and costly. 

Construction of the Saint-Laurent VI College 

Total budget: EUR 24.2 million (EU support: EUR 8 million) Years of implementation: 2015-2022 

The secondary school population is continuously increasing due to population growth, in particular in the west of the 
territory. A major programme for the creation of colleges was set up within various municipalities. The ERDF invested 
in the construction of a college for 600 pupils in the municipality of Saint-Laurent du Maroni. 

System of general economic interest (SGEI) Savanes No 3 

Total budget: EUR 3.6 million (EU support: EUR 2.9 million) Years of implementation: 2018-2019 

The French Guiana SGEI provides the towns of Macouria, Kourou, Sinnamary and Iracoubo with responses adapted to 
their wide heterogeneity and difficulties in accessing training and vocational integration. It aims to promote the pooling 
and coordination of the human and material resources of the various training (including new) operators. The deployment 
of the SGEI makes it possible to compensate for shortages in the provision of permanent training in these areas of French 
Guiana. The population in the eastern municipalities faces several challenges: entering the working life without a diploma, 
unemployment, early parenthood, financial and housing precariousness, administrative difficulties, language barriers, and 
reduced mobility. The SGEI operation offers job seekers social and employment guidance, supporting beneficiaries  in 
their access to training opportunities. 

Academic Health Training Centre, University of French Guiana 

Total budget: EUR 12.5 million (EU support: EUR 10.5 million) Years of implementation: 2021-2025 (estimated) 

French Guiana suffers from a chronic lack in health professionals and an underdeveloped infrastructure that the region 
struggles to address due to rapid population growth. During the social movements in 2017, one of the major demands 
related to the health system was the creation of an academic hospital centre. To prepare for this, the training capacity of 
future doctors in French Guiana, and for paramedical professions (nurses, physiotherapists, midwives, medical assistants) 
needs  to  be  strengthened.  The  Academic  Health  Training  Centre  project  will  host  all  the  necessary  medical  and 
paramedical training courses together with the buildings already located on the Troubiran campus. The University of 
French Guiana will offer medical and paramedical training for almost 1 200 students in this new health training centre. 

Other relevant EU funds or initiatives 

The EAFRD supports the Maisons familiales rurales network, which are training centres located in remote areas, through 
the Common Agricultural Policy Strategic plan (2023-2027) with EUR 1 million. 

(iv)  Social inclusion 

The  population  of  French  Guiana  is  affected  by  significant  social  inclusion  challenges.  In  2022,  49.5%  of  the  local 
population was at risk of poverty or social exclusion. This is more than twice the national average and 7.4 percentage points 
more than the average of the French outermost regions (EU statistics on income and living conditions (SILC) survey for 
Guadeloupe,  Martinique,  French  Guiana,  and  Réunion).  This  challenge  is  worsened  by  education  challenges  and  high 
unemployment,  especially  for  young  people,  and  aggravated  by  insufficient  access  to  healthcare  and  social  services, 
particularly in most remote areas of the territory. The administrative barriers prevent part of the population from benefiting 
from social aid, and from social and employment guidance.  

Cohesion policy programmes 

EU funds, specifically the regional programmes under cohesion policy, aim at preventing and addressing poverty and social 
exclusion through employment and social guidance initiatives. They also offer tailored support to the needs of vulnerable 

Page 19 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
groups, with a particular attention to women and children. In 2021-2027, social inclusion challenges are also addressed 
through investments in training in the health sector. 

Support provided under the 2014-2020 programmes 

The  ESF  planned  to  invest  over  EUR 107 million  (EU  support  EUR 78 million)  in  French  Guiana  to  support  in  social 
inclusion measures. By December 2023, more than 5 700 unemployed and 1 400 inactive people had benefited from ESF 
support. 

Support envisaged under the 2021-2027 programmes 

The ESF+ plans to invest over EUR 24 million (EU support EUR 21 million) in support to social inclusion measures. The 
programme aims at supporting, by 2029, about 8 400 people, including about 2 000 children and more than 2 300 people 
with  disabilities. The programme will play an important role in lifting the administrative and social barriers faced by a 
significant part of the population. By 2029, the ESF+ social inclusion measures should help more than 4 000 people with 
tailored guidance, with regard to access to social benefits and guidance. 

ENVI API 

Total budget: EUR 0.8 million (EU support: EUR 0.6 million) Years of implementation: 2020-2022 

ENVI API was a social inclusion project designed around beekeeping, agriculture and environmental protection. It aimed 
at offering an innovative approach to target those, among the young people, who are the furthest away from the labour 
market.  It  successfully  promoted sustainable  development and green professions,  and minimum income  beneficiaries 
were able to develop their skills in these areas. The project also raised beneficiaries’ awareness of global environmental 
issues and encouraged the emergence of a more traditional approach to production and consumption, such as the use of 
old methods. The project provided beneficiaries with an innovative form of social and employment guidance through 
workshops and on-site training, supporting their integration on the labour market. 

. 

Other relevant EU funds or initiatives 

Interreg  Amazonia  2014-2020  supports  two  projects,  Malakit  and  CUREMA,  aimed  at  developing  and  implementing 
innovative strategies to control and eliminate malaria, particularly targeting vulnerable and isolated populations – especially 
mining workers – in the cross-border areas of French Guiana, Brazil, and Suriname. The projects contributed to reducing 
health inequalities and promoting social inclusion through improved access to health services. The Malakit project provided 
self-testing and malaria self-treatment kits, along with appropriate training. The CUREMA project continued the efforts of 
the  Malakit  project  by  further  optimising  the  strategy  of  self-diagnosis  and  self-treatment  of  malaria.  It  specifically 
addressed the revival forms of malaria and aimed to eradicate reef forms of malaria. 

The EAFRD 2014-2022 supports vocational training, with 61 projects (EUR 625 000) and more than 1 500 participants. 
For 2023-2027, this support will continue to finance in particular, training in agriculture, agri-food and forestry. 

Page 20 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
3.3. Martinique 

Page 21 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MARTINIQUE 

At a glance  

•  Gross domestic product/capita (purchasing power standard) stands at 70% of 

the EU average. 

•  Unemployment (10.8% in 2023) and youth unemployment rates are well above 
French and EU averages, but the youth unemployment rate dropped from 38.3% 
in 2020 to 28% in 2023. 

•  Rate of early leavers from education and training (at 13% in 2023) and the rate 
of young people neither in employment nor in education and training (NEET), 
at 15% in 2023, are higher than French and EU averages. 

•  Human resources in science, as a percentage of the active population, is above 

30%. 

353 444 

6 845 km 

1 128 km2 

Youth 
unemployment 

NEET 

INDICATORS 

GDP 
Gross domestic product/capita (purchasing power standard - % of EU-27) 
GDP/capita at current market prices (EUR) 
Population 
Median age 2023 
Median age projections in 2100 
Total population 2023 
Projections total population in 2100 
Total population projections 2100 as % total population 2023 
Unemployment by age group 
Unemployment rate 15-74 (%) 
Employment rate 15-64 (%) 
Youth unemployment rate 15-24 (%) 
Research 
Human resources in science & technology (% of active population) 
QUALITY OF LIFE INDICATORS 
Access to education 
Early leavers from education and training 18-24 (%) 
Young people neither in employment nor in education and training 15-24, NEET (%) 
Tertiary education attainment 25-64 (%)  
Less than primary/lower secondary education attainment 25-64 (%)  
Access to ICT  
Individuals who used the internet at least once a week (%)  
Households with broadband access to the internet (%)  
Access to health 
Number of medical doctors per 100 000 inhabitants 
Number of hospital beds per 100 000 inhabitants 

Martinique 
2022 
70 
27 000 
2023 
49.2 
47.1 (-2.1 y) 
353 444 
234 325 
66% 
2023 
10.8 
59.9 
28.0 
2023 
30.4 

2023 
13.0 
15.2 
29.2 
28.1 
2022 
84 
86 (2021) 
2021 
312 
539 

France 
2022 
100 
38 500 
2023 
42.4 
47.5 (+5.1 y) 
68.2 million 
69.6 million 
102% 
2023 
7.3 
68.4 
17.2 
2023 
39.0 

2023 
7.6 
10.5 
42.4 
16.3 
2022 
90 
88 (2021) 
2021 
318 
565 

EU 
2022 
100 
35 400 
2023 
43.9 (2020) 
48.8 (+4.9 y) 
448.8 million 
416 million 
93% 
2023 
6.1 
70.4 
14.5 
2023 
35.9 

2023 
9.5 
9.2 
35.1 
20.2 
2022 
- 
90 (2021) 
2021  
- 
532 (2019) 

Page 22 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cohesion policy funds in Martinique 

ERDF 2014-2020 

ERDF mainstream: EUR 352 million 
ERDF specific additional outermost region (OR) allocation: 
EUR 93 million 

TOTAL: EUR 445 million 
TOTAL Cohesion policy funds 2014-2020: EUR 664 million 
REACT-EU ERDF: EUR 159 million 

ESF 2014-2020 

ESF mainstream: EUR 189 million 
YEI: EUR 30 million 

TOTAL: EUR 219 million 

REACT-EU ESF: EUR 39 million 

TOTAL REACT-EU(*): EUR 198 million  (*) NextGenerationEU for ERDF and ESF (2014-2020) 

ERDF 2021-2027 

ESF+ 2021-2027 

ERDF mainstream: EUR 393 million 
ERDF specific additional OR allocation: EUR 89 million 

ESF+ mainstream: EUR 160 million 
ESF+ specific additional OR allocation: EUR 28 million 

TOTAL: EUR 482 million  
TOTAL Cohesion policy funds 2021-2027: EUR 670 million 

TOTAL: EUR 188 million 

TOTAL 2014-2027 (Cohesion policy funds and REACT-EU): EUR 1 532 million 

Martinique is facing major challenges in: (i) support to SMEs; (ii) healthcare infrastructure; (iii) education and training 
infrastructure, early school-leaving; (iv) (youth) employment and mobility. It is benefiting from substantial EU support 
to  address  these  areas.  In  2014-2027  (both  programming  periods),  the  total  ERDF  and  ESF(+)  support  to  these  key 
priorities is EUR 692.8 million. 

Key areas 

(i)  Support to SMEs 

Martinique is facing significant issues related to support to SMEs. Over the past few decades, Martinique’s economy has 
evolved from a predominantly agricultural one to one largely dominated by services. The various additional costs induced 
by its remoteness from the EU domestic market affect the competitiveness of companies and contribute to their financial 
weakness.  The  banking  system  needs  improvement,  particularly  in  terms  of  supporting  business  development  and 
investment. The key challenge for the region is to build a production base around companies that are financially sound and 
flexible. 

Cohesion policy programmes 

EU  funds,  specifically  the  regional  programmes  under  cohesion  policy,  support  these  initiatives  by  promoting 
entrepreneurship, the growth of start-ups, scale-ups, incubators, advanced business services and new business models for 
SMEs. They also aim to boost exports through internationalisation programmes. 

Support provided under the 2014-2020 programmes 

The ERDF supported collective and individual actions aimed at structuring and diversifying production, with a particular 
focus on five strategic sectors: agro-processing, resource enhancement, health and ageing, digitalisation and tourism. The 
ERDF has invested in SMEs through research and innovation (EUR 13 million), technology transfer, cooperation between 
universities and businesses, and advanced support services for SMEs (EUR 3 million). The ability to grow on regional, 
national and international markets was supported with EUR 98 million. 

According to a study published by the INSEE in 2022, almost 73% of businesses created in 2014 were still active in 2019. 
Martinique  is  the  French  region  with  the  highest  5-year  survival  rate  for  companies.  The  development  of  perennial 
businesses generated a 47% growth in salaried employment for all businesses created in the first half of 2014. By December 
2023, EUR 232 million were invested reaching more than 200 SMEs. Support for businesses (530 companies) has focused 
on the following areas: creation of  economic activity zones, investments to structure and diversify production, financial 
engineering, digital products and services, and support for the tourism industry. 

Support envisaged under the 2021-2027 programmes 

Martinique’s economy needs to evolve from a fragmented system based mainly on small, low-financial-capacity, high-risk 
businesses, to a structured system based on sectors made up of bankable, profitable companies. The ERDF will finance the 
following actions, with a target of 30 000 beneficiary companies: 

Page 23 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
-  structuring of priority sectors, modernisation of production equipment for the future, creation of investment funds, 
internationalisation  of  SMEs 

including  commercial  development  and 

technical  skills, 

and  pooling  of 
(EUR 83 million); 

-  support for innovation processes and clusters (EUR 13 million) and EUR 6 million for research and innovation; 
-  digitisation  of  SMEs  (including  e-commerce,  e-business  and  networked  business  processes,  digital  innovation 

clusters, living labs, web entrepreneurs and ICT start-ups, and business to business) with EUR 8 million;  
improving competitiveness by addressing the issue of additional costs. 

- 

Support to SMEs in improving access to healthcare 

Total budget: EUR 197 million (EU support: EUR 108 million) Years of implementation: 2019-2021 

clikOdoc  is  a  start-up  established  in  Martinique  in  2018  and  currently  growing  rapidly.  It  facilitates  the  relationship 
between  patients  and  healthcare  professionals  by  bringing  together  diary  planning  services  with  and  without 
appointments,  a  secure  means  of  communication  between  healthcare  professionals  and  patients,  and  telemedicine 
services. This project will optimise patient care by making it easier to book appointments. It will also facilitate patient 
referrals between practitioners and will enable automated waiting lists to be set up to reduce waiting times. The platform, 
initially  for  practitioners  in  Martinique,  has  been  extended  to  other  French  outermost  regions.  There  are  now  521 
practitioners involved. 

Project CTEBioM 

Total budget: EUR 17.4 million (EU support EUR 6 million) Year of expected implementation: 2027 

Martinique  wants  to  make  the  most  of  its  bioresources  and  biodiversity  through  complex  fundamental  research 
programmes.  The  territorial  strategy  for  fundamental research  will  enable this  project  to  be  deployed  throughout the 
region. The Centre Territorial d’Exploration de la Biodiversité Martiniquaise (CTEBioM)  will be made up of high-tech 
laboratories and very high-added-value platforms that will be made available to the region and its stakeholders. CTEBioM 
will focus on metabolomics and genomics, as well as chemistry, biotechnology, pharmaco-toxicology and bioinformatics. 
The centre will have innovative equipment for acquiring results in Martinique, as well as a start-up incubator. 

Other relevant EU funds or initiatives 

Pole Europe Enterprise Innovation (PEEI) 2020-2021, funded with EUR 60 000 from Horizon 2020 and a consortium of 
the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Martinique and Guadeloupe and the Technopole Martinique, provided local 
SMEs with growth-oriented, integrated business and innovation support services, facilitating their access to global markets. 

(ii)  Healthcare infrastructure 

Among the French outermost regions, Martinique is the region closest to the health standards of mainland France. However, 
the access to affordable and high-quality services remains unequal. Martinique’s health system is characterised by lower 
capacity and fewer health professionals than the national and EU averages. Most services are located in the largest urban 
areas. The limited and unequal healthcare capacity aggravates the situation of the most vulnerable groups, among which 
older people and children. Moreover, the island is increasingly affected by significant demographic changes, with an ageing 
population requiring specific healthcare and services. 

Cohesion policy programmes 

EU funds, specifically the regional programmes under cohesion policy, support initiatives in this field by encouraging the 
improvement of local health centres and the critical role that they may play in the decentralisation of healthcare. There is a 
need to further invest in health infrastructure and equipment to support the development of equal access to healthcare on all 
islands and in all locations. 

Support provided under the 2014-2020 programmes 

The ESF planned to invest EUR 48.3 million in promoting access to affordable health services and reducing inequalities in 
terms of health status. REACT-EU greatly contributed to increasing investments in Martinique’s health infrastructure and 
to supporting isolated young people, workers and entrepreneurs (e.g. home schooling, exceptional aids).  By 2023, EUR 
38.8 million had been invested. REACT-EU supported around 7 500 people. 

The ERDF has focused on improving the quantity and quality of collective care facilities for older people and on increasing 
the rate of adapted individual housing. Following the COVID-19 crisis, the ERDF’s action in health infrastructure was 
boosted by additional REACT-EU support totalling EUR 138.8 million for various beneficiaries. The operations covered 

Page 24 of 75 

 
 
 
by the ERDF relate to the development of centres of excellence in healthcare, the creation of the  Caribbean Institute of 
Nuclear Imaging (ICIN), the modernisation of hospital centres and increase of the number of hospital beds, the creation of 
an improved  accommodation unit, and equipment for a medical imaging centre. These initiatives have  strengthened the 
region’s  hospital  system.  By  December  2023,  EUR 143 million  had  been  invested  in  health  infrastructures  through  the 
ERDF, mainly by REACT-EU. 

EHPAD ‘Habitation Fantaisie’ Saint-Joseph  

Total budget: EUR 13 million (EU support: EUR 6.54 million) Years of implementation: 2017-2023 

The  project  involves  the  creation  of  an  accommodation  establishment  for  dependent  older  people  (EHPAD),  with  a 
capacity  of  80  permanent  accommodation  beds,  four  temporary  accommodation  beds  and  six  day-care  places.  The 
EHPAD project is located in the municipality of Saint-Joseph, in the Centre Agglomération sector, which includes the 
municipalities of Fort-de-France, Le Lamentin, Saint-Joseph and Schœlcher. The surface area of the buildings subsidised 
is 4 428 m2. The overall development of this plot involves the creation of a health centre, which will house a 60-bed 
rehabilitation unit in addition to the EHPAD, which is currently under construction. 

Total budget: EUR 1.42 million (EU support: EUR 0.69 million) Year of implementation: 2020 

Extension of the Bethléem nursing home 

The Bethléem retirement home is located in Terreville in the town of Schœlcher, a 
fast-growing  area.  The  project  to  extend  the  11-bed  EHPAD  Bethléem  and  its 
ancillary premises meets a need for additional beds, the current occupancy rate being 
between 96% and 100%. It is managed by the ‘Maison de retraite de Bethléem (Foyer 
Bethléem)’  association,  which  owns  the  land  on  which  the  facility  is  located.  A 
perpetual  building  lease  has  been  signed  between  the  société  Martiniquaise 
d´habitation à loyer moderé and the association for a period of 40 years, at the end of 
which the association will become the owner of the premises. The retirement home 
aims to improve care for older people with moderate behavioural problems by offering 
them appropriate social and therapeutic activities. On a daily basis, the association 
helps residents to get through the day ‘as if they were at home’. 

Creation of Caribbean Institute of Nuclear Imaging 

Total budget: EUR 49 million (EU support: EUR 49 million) 

Years of implementation: 2020-2023 

Martinique  has  seen  an  exponential  increase  in  the  number  of  cases  of  cancer,  endometriosis,  heart  disease  and 
neurodegenerative diseases. The University Hospital of Martinique needs to be equipped with modern tools to improve 
the diagnosis and optimum management of these diseases. This will contribute to Martinique’s progress towards self-
sufficiency in healthcare. The project comprises the Caribbean Institute of Nuclear Imaging and its clinical research and 
medical  training  activities,  which  are  the  first  of  its  kind  in  Martinique.  The  building’s  unique  configuration  brings 
together the cyclotron and clinical and radiopharmaceutical activities in a single location, providing optimum care for 
patients from Martinique and the Caribbean suffering from the aforementioned pathologies. The building houses nuclear 
medicine, anatomopathology and radiopharmacy facilities. The proximity of the cyclotron to the patient’s bed means that 
new and more effective radio elements can be used. 

Page 25 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Support envisaged under the 2021-2027 programmes 

The ESF+ supports operations which address people’s basic needs and providing access to essential services, in particular 
healthcare. It helps addressing shortages in health professionals by developing their training and establishment in areas that 
are lacking health services. Such operations aim at improving the accessibility, quality and sustainability of healthcare. 
EUR 20.8 million is dedicated to the improvement of healthcare services, through better accessibility, notably for  older 
people, and quality training for professionals. 

The ERDF will help to improve access to local healthcare and increase the number of nursing homes for older people in the 
region. It plans to invest EUR 13 million in health infrastructure and EUR 5 million in health equipment and aims to increase 
the capacity of healthcare facilities by 326 000 people per year. In addition to the actions financed by the ESF+, the ERDF 
will support the following: the increase and improvement of local healthcare provision for all; studies, works and healthcare 
infrastructures  (local  centres,  nursing  homes,  medical  centres);  the  transformation,  renovation,  equipment  and  digital 
upgrading  of  medico-social  establishments;  tools  for  the  interoperability  and  modernisation  of  digital  tools;  healthcare 
equipment and facilities. 

Other relevant EU funds or initiatives 

In line with the guidelines from Ségur de la Santé, the French recovery and resilience plan earmarks EUR 6 billion over 5 
years for investment in the medico-social sector, focusing on three priorities: priority hospital projects and city-hospital 
projects; renovating and equipping medico-social establishments; deploying  and interoperating digital tools. 

(iii)  Education and training infrastructure, early school-leaving 

In Martinique, access to quality education remains a challenge, further impeding the insertion of young people in the labour 
market. Only 29.2% of the population has obtained a tertiary level diploma (France 42.4%) and 28.1% of the population 
had no diploma (France 16.3%) in 2023. As a result, Martinique is affected by a persistent phenomenon of brain and skills 
drain.  Moreover,  the  rate  of  early  school-leaving  remains  high,  impeding  the  socio-professional  integration  of  such 
vulnerable groups. In 2023, only 10.8% of adults participated in education and training (France 14.9%). In this context, 
upskilling  and  reskilling  of  workers  and  access  to  quality  and  effective  training  for  jobseekers  is  key  to  promote 
employability and secure professional transitions.  

Cohesion policy programmes 

EU funds, specifically the regional programmes under cohesion policy, support these initiatives. The ESF+will keep on 
supporting access to employment, notably through: self-employment and entrepreneurship; completion of quality education 
and  acting  against  early  school-leaving.  It  will  also  support  lifelong  learning,  upskilling  and  reskilling  measures  for 
jobseekers and workers, active inclusion through integrated pathways, and the fight against poverty and social exclusion, 
including for children at risk. 

Support provided under the 2014-2020 programmes 

The  ESF  made  a  major  contribution  to  the  region´s  needs  with  an  overall  budget  of  EUR 189 million.  The  Youth 
Employment Initiative (YEI) invested EUR 7.6 million for young people aged 18-25 who wereunemployed and without 
training.  Under  REACT-EU,  an  additional  budget  of  EUR 38.8 million  was  allocated  to  these  priorities.  Moreover,  to 
prevent early school-leaving and to accompany pupils towards the completion of a quality education, the ESF supported 
students most at risk. Under the ESF, EUR 1.2 million was dedicated to the completion of quality education by fighting 
against school dropouts. Additionally, EUR 54 million was dedicated to upskilling and reskilling of workers and jobseekers, 
and  to  facilitate  labour  transitions.  The  ESF  has  supported  specific  measures  to  increase  employability  and  skills,  in 
particular for young people, notably by supporting successful schemes such as the Service Militaire Adapté. 

The ERDF invested EUR 7.9 million in education, training and vocational training for the acquisition of skills and lifelong 
learning.  The  investments  concerned  Martinique’s  vocational  training  infrastructure,  which  has  a  particularly  high 
integration  rate.  The  RSMA  has  created  or  modernised  infrastructures  in  order  to  adapt  the  facilities  dedicated  to  the 
professional integration of young people who are furthest from employment. Under the RSMA, 9 000 students have received 
training. The projects funded were the construction of a building for accommodation, management and supervision and the 
construction  of  a  vocational  training  centre.  As  fishing  is  one  of  the  strategic  action  areas  identified  by  the  Smart 
Specialisation Platform (agro-processing), the ERDF has contributed to strengthening this training structure, in synergy 
with the ESF and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund. 

Page 26 of 75 

 
 
 
 
CFA Santé Martinique 

Total budget: EUR 1.9 million (EU support: EUR 1.26 million) 

CFA Santé Martinique is the first apprentice training centre specialising in the health professions in the French West 
Indies and French Guiana. The solution is based on a model that has been in place for some 20 years in France. The aim 
is  to  listen  and  respond  to  the  specific  needs  identified  by  the  establishments  and  professionals  in  practice.  The 
apprenticeship scheme enables solutions for students in difficulty, bringing the learner up to speed with the realities of 
the job market. In 2021-2022, 36 apprentices benefited from 6 training courses in medical-technical and public health; in 
total, 3 educational partners and 19 employers (15 in the private sector and 4 in the public sector - 14 in Martinique, 4 in 
Guadeloupe and 1 in French Guiana) have participated. Over 50 young people have benefited from training. 

Total budget: EUR 9 million (ESF and YEI) Year of implementation: 2020 

Régiment du Service Militaire Adapté – RSMA 

For young people between 18 and 25, totalling 650 trainees per year, the RSMA, under the Ministry of the Overseas 
Territories,  is  a  programme  accompanying  young  people  (NEETs)  between  18  and  25  towards  employment  through 
acquisition of basic skills (e.g. first aid, driving licences), vocational training and job search workshops. This scheme 
supports young people towards a sustainable integration in the labour market and provides professional training in more 
than 20 different fields (e.g. administration, construction, tourism). The training supports young people to adapt their 
skills to the green and digital transitions. As a result, 75% of the trainees  find themselves  in employment or training 
following their participation in the RSMA. 

Support envisaged under the 2021-2027 programmes 

The  ESF+  envisages  EUR 168 million  in  funding  between  the  programme  managed  by  the  regional  council 
(EUR 118.8 million) and the strand managed by the government through the national ESF+ programme (EUR 49.3 million). 
The  ESF+  supports  quality  training,  the  prevention  of  school  dropout  and  career  guidance,  in  order  to  facilitate  youth 
employment  in Martinique.  It  plans  to invest  EUR 10.9 million  to improve  the education  and training  systems, notably 
through the digitalisation of education tools. Moreover, EUR 13.4 million will be dedicated to the fight against early school-
leaving (at least 2 200 children will be supported). The ESF+ supports young people and adults to adapt their skills in light 
of the ongoing green and digital transition. 

The  ERDF  plans  to  invest  almost  EUR 5 million  in  infrastructure  for  primary  and  secondary  education  and  almost 
EUR 8 million in infrastructure for vocational education and training and adult education. The ERDF will also support the 
renovation and construction of public schools to improve the training on offer in the region, which includes promoting equal 
access to inclusive, quality education and training, particularly for disadvantaged groups. The aim is to locally offer as many 
training opportunities as possible. Access to public schools for vulnerable groups will be facilitated by ESF+ support with 
an apprenticeship contract or alternatively France will finance grants for vulnerable groups. 

(iv)  (Youth) employment and mobility  

Martinique is one of the French regions affected by significant demographic changes, with its total population progressively 
declining (by 4.1% between 2018 and 2023). The shrinking working-age population and lagging levels of tertiary education 
make Martinique at risk of being in a development trap. In Martinique, the employment rate remains relatively low, as 
66.2% of the population aged 20-64 was in employment in 2023 (France 74.4%). Despite a slight increase in 2021 (12.8%), 
the unemployment rate in Martinique has been decreasing from 14.8% in 2019 (19.4% in 2014) to 10.8% in 2023, although 
it remains well above the French and EU averages (EU 6.1% and France 7.3%). Martinique has high youth unemployment 
and brain drain (24.3% of young people unemployed in 2023). The youth unemployment rate remained higher than in the 
EU (11.2%) and the national average (13.6%). The rate of NEET decreased from 19.6% in 2021 to 15.2% in 2023 (EU 
9.2%, France 10.5%). Labour market integration remains a challenge, especially for young people.  

Cohesion policy programmes 

EU funds, specifically the regional programmes under cohesion policy, aim to support upskilling and reskilling operations, 
and access to self-employment or entrepreneurship. 

Support provided under the 2014-2020 programmes 

The ESF aimed at offering quality training and upskilling programmes, targeting especially the most vulnerable groups. The 
operations  financed  under the  ESF  have  supported  integration  into the  labour  market  through  self-employment  and  the 
development  of  entrepreneurship.  EUR 40.7 million  was  invested  in  youth  employment  and  lifelong  learning  for  the 

Page 27 of 75 

 
 
 
  
acquisition  of  relevant  skills  and  integration  into  the  labour  market.  EUR 54 million  was  dedicated  to  upskilling  and 
reskilling of workers and jobseekers, and to facilitate labour transitions. The ESF and the YEI focused on supporting the 
integration of young people into the labour market, through equal access to quality education and career guidance. The YEI 
allocation of EUR 7.6 million supported better orientation instruments, tailored career guidance, formative and professional 
mobility, and training of NEETS. 

Atout Inclusion 2.i – Integration of young people in the labour market 

Total budget: EUR 3.8 million Years of implementation: 2020-2023 

The Atout Inclusion 2.i scheme aims to promote the employment of 320 young NEETs under the age of 25. Participants 
are immersed in a professional situation, building their knowledge. With a duration of 12 months (7 months in the centre 
and 5 months for practical situational awareness), the ultimate objective of the Atout Inclusion 2.i scheme is to strengthen 
the employability and autonomy of young people. Atout inclusion 2.i covers simultaneously: 

•  harnessing the potential of young people and removing their disincentives to integration; 
• 
• 
• 
• 

raising companies’ awareness of the understanding of NEETs; 
strengthening the experience gained by young people, including those from outside the labour market; 
skills to mobilise young people on interactive, collective and/or individual, digital and innovative projects;  
regular evaluation of young people’s development, and adjustments to their career. 

Support envisaged under the 2021-2027 programmes 

The ESF+ continues to support upskilling and reskilling operations with EUR 15.9 million, and access to self-employment 
or  entrepreneurship.  The  support  to  entrepreneurship  especially  aims  at  improving  women’s  participation  in  the  labour 
market,  as  women  are  particularly  affected  by  unemployment  (EUR 7.9 million  planned).  The  ESF+  operations  foster 
upskilling and reskilling opportunities to improve the employability of the unemployed and disadvantaged groups (at least 
1 800 participants will be supported). The ESF+ supports the limitation of early school dropouts, youth employment, and 
the completion of quality training. The ESF+ supports the activation of skills needed in sectors with labour shortages, in the 
context of the Youth Guarantee. The ESF+ specific allocation for the outermost regions will support mobility in order to 
improve the skills of young people and facilitate their integration in the labour market. 

Other relevant EU funds or initiatives 

The Recovery and Resilience Facility financed the State Guarantee for study loans of up to EUR 20 000 for 586 young 
people in Martinique. The Odyssea Project, co-financed by the ERDF (EUR 2.9 million) in the framework of the Interreg 
Caraïbes programme, aims to develop the blue economy sector of coastal and maritime tourism, creating an international 
nautical route for the economic development of the Caribbean area. It will capitalise on the potential of the nautical sector 
to create employment, especially for young people. 

Page 28 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
3.4. Mayotte 

Page 29 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MAYOTTE 

At a glance 

•  Gross domestic product/capita (purchasing power standard) stands at 30% of 

the EU average. 

•  Unemployment rate (27.8% in 2020) is more than 3 times higher than the 
French and EU averages; no more recent data available since 2020 for this 
indicator. 
Population is expected to multiply 2.5 times from 2023 to 2100. 
Fertility rate is the highest in the EU (4.56). 

• 
• 
•  Median age of population is 17.7 years (42.4 in France and 43.9 in the EU). 

309 981 

8 039 km 

367  km2 

GDP in PPP  

N° of medical 
doctors per 
100 000 
inhabitants 

INDICATORS 

GDP 
Gross domestic product/capita (purchasing power standard - % of EU-27) 
GDP/capita at current market prices (EUR) 
Population 
Median age 2023 
Median age projections in 2100 
Total population 2023 
Projections total population in 2100 
Total population projections 2100 as % of total population 2023 
Unemployment by age group 
Unemployment rate 15-74 (%) 
Employment rate 15-64 (%) 
Youth unemployment rate 15-24 (%) 
Research 
Human resources in science & technology (% of active population) 
QUALITY OF LIFE INDICATORS 
Access to education 
Early leavers from education and training 18-24 (%) 
Young people neither in employment nor in education and training 15-24, NEET (%) 
Tertiary education attainment 25-64 (%)  
Less than primary/lower secondary education attainment 25-64 (%)  
Access to ICT  
Individuals who used the internet at least once a week (%)  
Households with broadband access to the internet (%)  
Access to health 
Number of medical doctors per 100 000 inhabitants 
Number of hospital beds per 100 000 inhabitants 

Mayotte 
2022 
30 
11 500 
2023 
17.7 
28.0 (+10.3 y) 
309 981 
782 043 
252% 
2023 
27.8 (2020) 
32.2 (2020) 
55.4 (2020) 
2023 
17.8 (2020) 

2023 
- 
- 
- 
- 
2022 
- 
- 
2021 
86 
127 

France 
2022 
100 
38 500 
2023 
42.4 
47.5 (+5.1 y) 
68.2 million 
69.6 million 
102% 
2023 
7.3 
68.4 
17.2 
2023 
39.0 

2023 
7.6 
10.5 
42.4 
16.3 
2022 
90 
88 (2021) 
2021 
318 
565 

EU 
2022 
100 
35 400 
2023 
43.9 (2020) 
48.8 (+4.9 y) 
448.8 million 
416 million 
93% 
2023 
6.1 
70.4 
14.5 
2023 
35.9 

2023 
9.5 
9.2 
35.1 
20.2 
2022 
- 
90 (2021) 
2021  
- 
532 (2019) 

Page 30 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cohesion policy funds in Mayotte 

ERDF 2014-2020 

ERDF mainstream: EUR 146 million 
ERDF specific additional outermost region (OR) allocation: 
EUR 3 million 

TOTAL ERDF: EUR 149 million 
TOTAL Cohesion policy funds 2014-2020: EUR 227 million 

ESF 2014-2020 

ESF mainstream: EUR 63 million 
YEI: EUR 15 million 

TOTAL ESF: EUR 78 million 

REACT-EU ERDF: EUR 119 million 

REACT-EU ESF EUR : EUR 20 million 

TOTAL REACT-EU(*): EUR 139 million  (*) NextGenerationEU for ERDF and ESF (2014-2020) 

ERDF 2021-2027 

ESF+ 2021-2027 

ERDF mainstream: EUR 289 million 
ERDF specific additional OR allocation: EUR 58 million 

ESF+ mainstream: EUR 116 million 
ESF+ specific additional OR allocation: EUR 16 million 

TOTAL ERDF: EUR 347 million 
TOTAL Cohesion policy funds 2021-2027: EUR 479 million 

TOTAL ESF+: EUR 132 million 

TOTAL 2014-2027 (Cohesion policy funds and REACT-EU): EUR 845 million 

Key areas 

Mayotte is facing major challenges in: (i) access to water and sanitation; (ii) healthcare; (iii) sustainable urban mobility; 
(iv) guidance and training, and early school-leaving; (v) social inclusion. It is benefiting from substantial EU support to 
address these areas. In 2014-2027 (both programming periods), the total ERDF and ESF(+) support to these key priorities 
is EUR 589.5 million. 

(i)  Access to water and sanitation 

Mayotte faces significant challenges related to water and sanitation. One third of the population does not have running water 
in their house, and two thirds of households lack basic sanitation facilities (running water, toilet, shower). The existing water 
production and distribution infrastructure does not have the capacity to meet the increasing demand, due in large part to 
migratory pressure. The region’s water resources are highly susceptible to climate change: in August 2023, the water levels 
in the hillside reservoirs fell to record low levels, as the region suffered the worst drought since 1997, resulting in severe 
water restrictions. The price of bottled water was fixed to ensure access to it and to prevent speculative pricing. According 
to the most recent data emerging from the 2017 census, In Mayotte, 3 out of 10 households do not have a water point inside 
their  residence.  Informal  housing,  the  costs  associated  with  installing  water  infrastructure,  and  the  overall  costs  of 
purchasing water have an impact on the situation. Other challenges are the ageing of the infrastructure and the limited ability 
to efficiently manage water infrastructure. 

Mayotte  has  set  up  a  master  plan  for  water  planning  and  management  that  stresses  the  challenge  of  granting  access  to 
drinking water to the whole population, as drinking water resources are insufficient. The high demographic pressure and 
current efforts to bridge the gap in living standards will lead to an increase in water consumption. 

Cohesion policy programmes 

EU funds, specifically the regional programmes under cohesion policy, support initiatives in this field by enhancing access 
to high-quality water and improved wastewater treatment. Both the ERDF 2014-2020 and 2021-2027 programmes set out 
financial support and targets for 2023 and 2029, respectively. 

Support provided under the 2014-2020 programmes 

The ERDF invested over EUR 21 million to increase the production, storage and distribution capacity of drinking water in 
Mayotte. It supported the search for drinking water resources and the creation of new reservoirs, secured the interconnection 
of networks and the protection of sites, and connected buildings to the network. These initiatives increased the number of 
households with access to the public drinking water network  to 42 000. Drinking water production capacities have been 
increased by 4 800 m³. The ERDF supported wastewater collection and treatment capacities, particularly in municipalities 
with more than 10 000 inhabitants, benefitting to more than 18 000 inhabitants. Operations concerned the construction of 

Page 31 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
treatment  plants  and  collection  networks,  connection  of  buildings  to  the  public  systems,  improvement  of  existing 
installations and networks, and support to protect and enhance water resources. 

Support envisaged under the 2021-2027 programmes 

The ERDF plans to invest EUR 47.5 million to improve access to drinking water and its preservation. Operations concern 
infrastructure  for  the  production  and  storage  of  drinking  water,  supply  and  distribution  networks,  retention  reservoirs, 
seawater desalination units, and drilling. They also cover the maintainance of existing installations and networks, protection 
of catchment areas, interconnection of structural networks, protection of sites, and network connections. Better control of 
consumption will also be supported, in particular through efficient hydro systems, equipment, rainwater recuperation, water 
purification systems, fountain terminals and awareness-raising measures on the rational use of water. The ERDF will invest 
EUR 30 million  to  develop  wastewater  collection  and  treatment,  including  the  construction  of  treatment  plants  and 
associated networks, the equipment for the reuse of wastewater, and related studies. The objective is to add between 8 and 
16 km of new or upgraded pipelines and create additional treatment capacity for 16 800 people. 

Emblematic projects on water and sanitation in the period 2014-2020 

The ERDF investments at the retention basins of Combani and Dzoumogné have been crucial in managing the various 
periods of recent drinking water shortages by the following actions. 

- 

Increasing the water storage capacity of Combani’s retention reservoir (June 2023) 
at  a  total  cost  of  EUR 2 million;  co-financed  by  the  ERDF  to  the  amount  of 
EUR 1.2 million. 

-  Constructing a raw water transfer interconnector at the Dzoumogné reservoir (June 
2022), which enabled the transfer of water taken from the retention reservoirs to the 
Ourovéni  plant  or  the  Bouyouni  plant.  This  remedies  a  possible  lack  of  water  or 
pollution of one of the two colinear reservoirs. The ERDF co-financed 75% of the 
total cost of the operation of EUR 3.3 million. 

 The completion of the wastewater collection and draining networks of the future treatment plant in Mamoudzou Sud in 
March  2022  helped  to  comply  with  the  Wastewater  Directive  for  the  municipality  of  Mamoudzou  and  to  ensure  the 
functioning of the plant through efficient wastewater collection. The total cost of the operation is EUR 5.9 million, of 
which 55% is covered by the ERDF. 

Emblematic project on water and sanitation in the period 2021-2027 

Estimated total budget: EUR 80 million (estimated EU support: EUR 24 million) 

The creation of a new seawater desalination plant at Ironi Bé will increase the daily production capacity of drinking water 
by 10 000 m³ at a total estimated cost of EUR 80 million, with an ERDF contribution of 30%. It should be ready in 2025. 
The construction of the Mamoudzou Sud wastewater treatment plant is to be put into service in 2026. It will be able to 
treat wastewater of 6 000 inhabitants. Total costs are estimated at EUR 12 million. 

Other relevant EU funds or initiatives 

The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) 2023-2027 programme’s funding in Mayotte amounts 
to  EUR 40.5 million  and  can  support  water  infrastructure:  to  modernise  and  develop  water  infrastructure  capable  of 
supplying the water needed by farms, with the aim of making them more resilient. 

(ii)  Healthcare 

Improving access to healthcare is a major challenge for Mayotte. The average medical density is three times lower than in 
mainland France, and 10 times lower for certain professions (dentists and other specialist doctors). Access to medical and 
social care and care for young people in isolation are part of the Strategic Plan and the Regional Health Plan for the Indian 
Ocean (ARS-Indian Ocean) and the 2010-2015 Master Plan for Children and Families of the Departmental Council. The 
outlook for demographic change highlights the major challenges facing the healthcare system, with the risk of saturation of 
medical  and  social  facilities  and  maternal  and  child  support  services.  Follow-up  care  and  rehabilitation  activities  are 
concentrated on Mamoudzou (Grande Terre) through the Hospital Centre of Mayotte (CHM), which brings together most 
of the technical platforms and provides specialist consultations, hospitalisations and surgery, and accounts for more than 
half of the island’s childbirth. There is no follow-up care and rehabilitation in the rest of the territory. The geographical 
coverage  of  care  provision  is  not  sufficient,  and  it  is  concentrated  on  Mamoudzou.  Care  for  people  with  disabilities  is 
lacking.  There  exists  only  one  Healthcare  and  Social  Centre  (CMS)  and  22  mother-and-child  protection  centres  (PMI) 
centres, many of which are outdated. 

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Cohesion policy programmes 

EU funds, specifically the regional programmes under cohesion policy, support initiatives in this field by strengthening the 
availability and resilience of the local health system, investing in equipment and the modernisation of hospital logistics 
circuits and the deployment of digital support. 

Support provided under the 2014-2020 programmes 

The ERDF invested EUR 27.4 million in a hospital on Petite Terre and the provision of health and medico-social services 
to ensure sufficient and equal access to care. With support of EUR 30.5 million from REACT-EU, the ERDF strengthened 
the  resilience  of  the  health  system  and  invested  in  equipment,  the  modernisation  of  hospital  logistics  circuits  and  the 
deployment  of  digital  use  (telemedicine,  simulation,  data  processing,  medical  imaging).  Moreover,  finance  has  been 
provided for the fitting-out and extension of training centres for nurses and the development of community-based reception 
facilities of patients (e.g. dispensaries) to strengthen localised capacity to respond to health crises. 

Total budget: EUR 33.7 million (EU support: EUR 21.6 million) Year of implementation: 2023 

Hôpital de Petit Terre 

The project, carried out in June 2023, led to the creation of the first follow-up care and 
rehabilitation  unit  in  Mayotte.  The  hospital  offers  consultations,  activities  of  two 
dispensaries and the Dzaoudzi Hospital, a 24h/24h nursery, an 8-bed maternity, dental 
practice, radiology, a pharmacy and 50 new beds for follow-up care and rehabilitation 
in  one  single  location.  The  project  amounted  to  a  total  of  EUR 33.7 million,  co-
financed by the ERDF at the rate of 64%. 

Support envisaged under the 2021-2027 programmes 

The ERDF , with an amount of EUR 17.4 million, plans to strengthen health infrastructure by accommodating an additional 
630 patients per year and by improving the capacity of health and care systems in crisis situations. In complementarity with 
ESF+  actions,  the  ERDF  will  support  the  development  of  health  infrastructure,  the  resilience  to  health  crises  and  the 
provision of training for health professions. These actions will improve existing health infrastructure and move from hospital 
to more outpatient, primary and community-based care. 

Estimated total budget: EUR 40 million (EU support (estimated): EUR 16 million) 

CliniFuture - Emblematic project in the period 2021-2027 

The ERDF should contribute to the creation of the ‘CliniFuture’ project to supplement the care offer of Mayotte’s Hospital 
Centre  (CHM),  including  cardiology  and  orthopaedic  care.  The  project,  estimated  at  EUR 40 million,  should  be  co-
financed by the ERDF with EUR 16 million. 

Other relevant EU funds or initiatives 

The  Interreg  programme  (2014-2020)  aims  to  improve  healthcare  services  in  three  territories  (Mayotte-Comoros-
Madagascar) by facilitating the mobility of medical and paramedical staff, developing knowledge transfer and improving 
emergency  services,  especially  sea  rescue  services.  It  also  aims  to  prevent  the  spread  of  waterborne  and  vector-borne 
diseases by promoting the transfer of knowledge regarding water analysis, sanitisation and waste management. 

(iii)  Sustainable urban mobility 

Sustainable urban mobility is a significant challenge for Mayotte. Given the geographical remoteness of the mainland and 
the  insular  nature  of  Mayotte,  transport  infrastructure  plays  a  major  role  in  the  economic  development  of  the  territory. 
Improving the airport services with a view to reducing environmental impact should make it possible to strengthen trade, 
develop the direct link to mainland France, and strengthen Mayotte’s integration into its regional environment. 

The port of Longoni is key for the economy of Mayotte as the unique entry for goods (excluding hydrocarbons). However, 
the significant and steady growth in traffic for several years, linked to changes in population and consumption patterns, has 
led to the gradual saturation of the main quay, which would require further investments. A second quay, dedicated to the 
handling of containerised goods, was put into operation in January 2010. An extension for unloading and storage of goods 
is envisaged in the Sustainable Development Plan. The extension of the port area should make Longoni a central port hub 
for Comoros or Madagascar. Yearly, almost 200 merchant vessels stop over at Longoni (more than 99% of goods entering 

Page 33 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
Mayotte by volume). This involves around 500 direct jobs, mainly in transhipment (more than 50% of traffic) of containers 
to France (44%) and Asia (21%). 

Cohesion policy programmes 

EU funds, specifically the regional programmes under cohesion policy, support initiatives in this field by investing in the 
development of clean public transport infrastructure, like cycling lanes, the creation and extension of bus lines, car-sharing 
and charging areas, multimodal hubs, port activities, ferry passenger transport between the islands, and investments in a 
more competitive and sustainable airport. 

Support provided under the 2014-2020 programmes 

The ERDF invested EUR 15.8 million in optimising transhipment activities and in the functioning of the airport area; a total 
capacity of 6.7 million passengers was reached in 2023. Assistance from the ERDF-financed studies included investments 
in quays, areas dedicated to stripping and storage, means of transport between Petite and Grand-Terre, the upgrading of the 
port’s  safety standards,  access  near the  port  to the  roads and  airport  infrastructure.  REACT-EU  support accelerated  the 
energy transition momentum and the deployment of a low-carbon mobility offer. The ERDF invested EUR 36.3 million in 
2.5 km of public transport lines for 700 000 urban passengers and new multimodal hubs, it and supported the renewal of 
ferries for vehicles and passengers between islands (EUR 12.4 million). 

Total budget: EUR 14.8 million (EU support: EUR 12.4 million) Year of implementation: 2023 

Improved mobility between the islands 

Two new double-ended vessels were bought to improve the transport of 
passengers and vehicles between Mayotte’s  two main islands (Petite and 
Grand-Terre). By 2023, the investment totalled EUR 14.8 million, out of 
which 84% was financed by the ERDF. 

Support envisaged under the 2021-2027 programmes 

With EUR 37 million, the ERDF plans to support the development of clean public transport infrastructure. It will support 
cycling lanes, the extension of the bus line, car-sharing and charging areas, multimodal hubs, maritime passenger lines and 
multimodal  platforms.  It  will  fund  data  management  tools  enabling  the  calculation  of  all  modes  of  route  and  the 
dissemination of information to passengers. The number of new public transport users is expected to be about 1 million. 
The ERDF will also invest EUR 24 million in non-urban collective transport and the port area of Mayotte (including quays 
and their equipment and passengers and port services) and EUR 55.7 million in the airport. 

Caribus 

Total budget: unknown (EU support (estimation): EUR 37 million) 

Caribus is an emblematic project of the ERDF programme 2021-2027 which will eventually 
put into operation the first lanes dedicated to public transport in Mayotte. The first phase was 
financed by the ERDF in 2014-2020. The second phase, and in particular the network and 
upgrading and maintenance sites, will be financed under the ERDF programme 2021-2027. 
The  ERDF  will invest  EUR 37  million in  sustainable  urban mobility in  the  Mamoudzou-
Dembéni agglomeration, with a start of operations in 2025. 

(iv)  Guidance and training, and early school-leaving 

Education and training are at the heart of the challenges facing the region, which is experiencing strong demographic growth 
(over 50% of the population is of foreign nationality). The undersized education system must cope with this increase in the 
number of school-age children in primary and secondary education, and the resulting lack of infrastructure. Difficulties in 
integration and access to education have been identified as major sources of poverty among young people. 

In 2017, 34% of the adult population had never been to school, more so women (39%) than men (29%). Young people born 
in Mayotte leave the school system early, but slightly less girls than boys. In 2019, 44% of young women who had left the 
school system were not in employment, education or training, 10 percentage points more than men. Native islanders have 
higher levels of education than those from Madagascar and the Comoros. In 2020, only 30.9% of school-leavers aged 15 

Page 34 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and over had a qualification, and illiteracy affected 42% of 16-65-year-olds. Some 58% of the population is under 20 years 
old, 75% of whom were undocumented, 5-10% of whom were on waiting lists to be enrolled in school, with a theoretical 
shortfall of 700 classrooms to enrol all children. While Mayotte’s university centre became a fully-fledged university on 
1 January 2024, it is important to improve the structure of the private sector and stimulate research and innovation to create 
jobs and strengthen economic development. The lack of higher education opportunities on the island leads to brain drain 
(mainly to Réunion or to mainland France).  

Cohesion policy programmes 

EU funds, specifically the regional programmes under cohesion policy, support initiatives in this field by enhancing access 
to training leading to qualifications for different population groups, in particular jobseekers and other groups excluded from 
the training system, and by improving employment opportunities. The ESF/ESF+ aims to support individuals in acquiring 
the skills and qualifications needed to secure sustainable employment, and to promote equal opportunities. It also aims to 
strengthen the capacity of local organisations and institutions to deliver effective employment. 

Support provided under the 2014-2020 programmes 

The ESF invested nearly EUR 80.6 million in education, training and vocational training for the acquisition of skills and 
lifelong learning and has targeted its investment priorities on operations to prevent early school-leaving (EUR 47 million of 
ESF funds has been allocated for eight selected operations) and to increase the skills of a population far removed from the 
job market (EUR 33.6 million for 25 selected operations). Over 8 500 participants have benefited from these initiatives. Up 
to  EUR 27.7 million  of  ESF  funding  has  been mobilised  for  large-scale  projects  to  help  2 943  young  people  into  work 
through the RSMA (Régiment de service militaire adapté), which offers 21 training courses. By 2022, 85% of young people 
graduating from the RSMA found a job or returned to education. An additional contribution of EUR 17.2 million has been 
made to the RSMA through REACT-EU. The positive results and innovative experiments under the ESF programme include 
sharing good practices and encouraging results for young people in difficulty, particularly with the RSMA’s training courses 
leading to qualifications, MLEZI MAORE’s (an association) integration sites and the support and mediation provided by 
the Communauté de communes de Petite Terre. A total of 4 931 NEETs under the age of 25 have received support.  

Socio-professional integration for young people run by the Adapted Military Service  

Total budget: EUR 9 million (EU support: EUR 7 million) Year of implementation: 2023 

The project is a global educational project that includes vocational training in 40 fields, 
divided  into  23  different  streams  (know-how),  preparation  for  and  passing  of  the 
driving licence  (increasing  mobility),  refresher courses  (acquisition  of  basic skills), 
first aid training, training in job search workshops, and daily action aimed at boosting 
self-confidence, willingness and eagerness to work. 

Support envisaged under the 2021-2027 programmes 

The ESF+ plans to support the integration of young people and educational success (EUR 25 million) and actions to improve 
skills and education, vocational training and guidance systems in order to better anticipate and support economic change 
(EUR 10 million). In 2023, the ESF+ provided EUR 26.6 million in support for the training of 2 335 young people. 

Other relevant EU funds or initiatives 

The  2014-2020  Interreg Programme  Mayotte-Comoros-Madagascar  promotes  access  to  education  via  mobility.  The 
initiative aims to promote mobility for high school and university students and teachers in subjects relating to the economic 
needs of the region. It will operate in tandem with the EU Erasmus+ programme and promote mobility particularly between 
the  University  Training  and  Research  Centre  (CUFR)  in  Mayotte,  the  University  of  the  Comoros  and  the  Madagascan 
universities (Antananarivo, North Madagascar and Mahajanga). 

(v)  Social inclusion 

Living conditions remain very difficult in Mayotte, in a context of strong demographic growth and a significant increase in 
the population of foreign nationality. The inclusion of younger people and especially unaccompanied minors (almost 9 000 
in 2020) is a major challenge, in a context where the labour market is insufficient to absorb the demand for employment. In 
2020, 77% of the population lived below the poverty threshold. Migration flows from the Comoros highlight the difficulties 
faced by a population that is highly vulnerable, both economically and in terms of access to basic rights. Moreover, 4 out 

Page 35 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
of  10  households  live  in  a  house  made  of  sheet  metal,  wood,  plants  or  earth.  With  regard  to  young  people  in  serious 
difficulties, socio-occupational integration solutions are already in place (such as the Adapted Military Service of Mayotte). 
A policy of providing educational care for minors at risk is in place but there is a lack of dedicated emergency reception 
facilities outside host families.  

Cohesion policy programmes 

EU funds, specifically the regional programmes under cohesion policy, support initiatives in this field by enhancing social 
inclusion initiatives, actions aimed at responding to the increase in the number of people receiving minimum social 
benefits and supporting unaccompanied minors. 

Support provided under the 2014-2020 programmes 

With the support of the ESF, the French government has made the fight against child poverty and for the social inclusion 
of children from an early age a priority objective. EUR 6.2 million was earmarked to support and foster care in the context 
of six projects run mainly by associations. 

Opération M’Sayidié 

Total budget: EUR 1.7 million (EU support: EUR 1.4 million) Years of implementation: 2017-2018 

The project supports the management of a day  centre that provides young people with better support and helps them 
prepare for school by offering remedial activities. An educational team works on the streets, at drop-in centres and in 
group workshops. They make contact with young people, listen to them, identify their problems, offer help (support in 
accessing healthcare, guidance towards the relevant schemes and services, etc.) and refer young people aged between 11 
and 16 who are not attending school to the day centre. 

Support envisaged under the 2021-2027 programmes 

ESF+ supports the professional integration and social inclusion of people furthest from employment (EUR 47 million) ,the 
promotion of an inclusive labour market and an adapted and healthy working environment (EUR 3.7 million), material aid 
for  the  most  disadvantaged  (EUR 1.9 million),  social  innovation  and  the  dissemination  of  innovative  schemes 
(EUR 2 million)  and  the  specific  challenges  of  the  French  outermost  regions  and  overseas  countries  and  territories 
(EUR 16 million). 

Other relevant EU funds or initiatives 

Mayotte’s Rural Development Programme sets out a strategy for mobilising more than EUR 103 million in public funding, 
including  EUR 83 million  from  the  European  Agricultural  Fund  for  Rural  Development  (EAFRD).  It  promotes  social 
inclusion, and improving living conditions in rural areas is one of the priorities of the programme. In rural areas, the EAFRD 
will contribute to improving access to basic services, improving both the living environment and access to employment.  

Page 36 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
3.5. Réunion 

Page 37 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RÉUNION 

At a glance  

•  Gross domestic product/capita (purchasing power standard) stands at 64% of 

the EU average. 

•  Unemployment (19% in 2023) and youth unemployment rates are more than 

double of the French and EU averages; youth unemployment dropped from 
42.3% in 2020 to 39.3% in 2023. 

•  Rate of young people neither in employment nor in education and training 

(NEET) at 20% in 2023 more than doubles the French and EU averages, but it 
dropped slightly between 2022 and 2023. 
Percentage of households with broadband access to the internet (87% in 2021) 
is almost as high in Réunion as in France. 

• 

•  Exclusive maritime economic zone: 311 426 km2. 

880 766 

9 373 km 

2 512 km2 

Youth 
Unemployment 

NEET 

INDICATORS 

GDP 
Gross domestic product/capita (purchasing power standard - % of EU-27) 
GDP/capita at current market prices (EUR) 
Population 
Median age 2023 
Median age projections in 2100 
Total population 2023 
Projections total population in 2100 
Total population projections 2100 as % of total population 2023 
Unemployment by age group 
Unemployment rate 15-74 (%) 
Employment rate 15-64 (%) 
Youth unemployment rate 15-24 (%) 
Research 
Human resources in science & technology (% of active population) 
QUALITY OF LIFE INDICATORS 
Access to education 
Early leavers from education and training 18-24 (%) 
Young people neither in employment nor in education and training 15-24, NEET (%) 
Tertiary education attainment 25-64 (%)  
Less than primary/lower secondary education attainment 25-64 (%)  
Access to ICT  
Individuals who used the internet at least once a week (%)  
Households with broadband access to the internet (%)  
Access to health 
Number of medical doctors per 100 000 inhabitants 
Number of hospital beds per 100 000 inhabitants 

Réunion 
2022 
64 
24 500 
2023 
38.2 
44.3 (+6.1 y) 
880 766 
879 651 
99% 
2023 
19.0 
50.0 
39.3 
2023 
28.4 

2023 
10.2 
19.9 
24.4 
36.0 
2022 
83 
87 (2021) 
2021 
335 
411 

France 
2022 
100 
38 500 
2023 
42.4 
47.5 (+5.1 y) 
68.2 million 
69.6 million 
102% 
2023 
7.3 
68.4 
17.2 
2023 
39.0 

2023 
7.6 
10.5 
42.4 
16.3 
2022 
90 
88 (2021) 
2021 
318 
565 

EU 
2022 
100 
35 400 
2023 
43.9 (2020) 
48.8 (+4.9 y) 
448.8 million 
416 million 
93% 
2023 
6.1 
70.4 
14.5 
2023 
35.9 

2023 
9.5 
9.2 
35.1 
20.2 
2022 
- 
90 (2021) 
2021  
- 
532 (2019) 

Page 38 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cohesion policy funds in Réunion 

ERDF 2014-2020 

ERDF mainstream: EUR 940 million 
ERDF specific additional outermost region (OR) allocation: 
EUR 190 million 

TOTAL: EUR 1 130 million  
TOTAL Cohesion policy funds 2014-2020: EUR 1 736 million 
REACT-EU ERDF: EUR 341 million 

ESF 2014-2020 

ESF mainstream: EUR 501 million 
YEI: EUR 105 million 

TOTAL: EUR 606 million 

REACT-EU ESF: EUR 148 million 

TOTAL REACT-EU(*): EUR 489 million  (*) NextGenerationEU for ERDF and ESF (2014-2020) 

ERDF 2021-2027 

ESF+ 2021-2027 

ERDF mainstream: EUR 1 034 million 
ERDF specific additional OR allocation: EUR 203 million 

ESF+ mainstream: EUR 429 million 
ESF+ specific additional OR allocation: EUR 61 million 

TOTAL: EUR 1 237 million 
TOTAL Cohesion policy funds 2021-2027: EUR 1 727 million 

TOTAL: EUR 490 million  

TOTAL 2014-2027 (Cohesion policy funds and REACT-EU): EUR 3 952 million 

Key areas 

Réunion  is  facing  major  challenges  in:  (i)  access  to  water  and  sanitation;  (ii)  urban  mobility  and  transport;  (iii) 
education (including infrastructure), guidance and training, and early school-leaving; (iv) (youth) employment and 
mobility. It is benefiting from substantial EU support to address these areas. In 2014-2027 (both programming periods), 
the total ERDF and ESF(+) support to these key priorities is EUR 1 975 million.  

(i)  Access to water and sanitation 

The management and quality of drinking water has significantly improved in recent years in Réunion, notably through the 
support  of  EU  funding.  However,  the  quality  of  drinking  water  continues  to  be  at  risk,  due  to  the  lack  of  appropriate 
infrastructure for human consumption and the ageing of the water supply network. Only about 60% of the population has 
access to quality drinking water. Distribution networks are vulnerable to water losses due to leaks or breaks. The efficiency 
of the networks is still almost 30% lower than the national average. Around 45% of households are not connected to a public 
wastewater collection network. In addition, wastewater treatment plants need to be adapted to population growth. The relief, 
the volcanic and insular character, and the climate of Réunion affect the spatial and physical distribution of water. There is 
a risk of water shortage at the end of the dry season in the west and south, and a vulnerability of groundwater resources 
along the coastline, due to the risk of saline intrusion. 

The 2016 Action Plan for Drinking Water and Wastewater Services (Plan Eau DOM) is the key policy framework for action 
on water in the French outermost regions, as it supports local authorities in improving drinking water and sanitation services 
by strengthening their technical and financial capacities. Under this plan, 5-year ‘progress contracts’ were signed with local 
and  regional  authorities  in  Réunion.  These  contracts  specify,  for  each  municipality,  the  short,  medium  and  long-term 
measures to be implemented, particularly regarding asset management, development, drinking water and sanitation services. 
To  plan  the  strategic  orientations  of  water  management  in  the  region,  Réunion  relies  on  the  Master  Plan  for  Water 
Development and Management (SDAGE) approved in 2022. 

Cohesion policy programmes 

EU  funds, specifically the regional programmes under cohesion policy, support these initiatives by enhancing access to 
high-quality water and improved wastewater treatment. Both the 2014-2020 and 2021-2027 programmes set out targets for 
2023 and 2029, respectively. For the optimisation and efficient management of water resources, it is necessary to invest in 
new or upgraded infrastructure, ensuring the quality of service provided to the population and the sustainability of systems, 
with a view to controlling and reducing losses in water distribution and supply systems. 

Support provided under the 2014-2020 programmes 

The  ERDF  support  aimed  at  securing  and  improving  both  the  supply  of  drinking  water  by  increasing  the  number  of 
purification units and the treatment of wastewater by extending and upgrading collective wastewater treatment plants to 
recognised standards. The investments provided access to quality drinking water for an additional 215 000 people by the 
end of 2023. Operations financed by the ERDF amounted to EUR 64 million and related to the improvement of structures 

Page 39 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and equipment for drinking water, the resilience of water abstraction and actions contributing to the good status of water 
bodies. The ERDF was complemented by additional REACT-EU support of EUR 9.2 million to improve the efficiency of 
drinking water networks. 

Support envisaged under the 2021-2027 programmes 

The ERDF plans to invest EUR 106 million to improve both the quality of drinking water for almost 200 000 additional 
people  and the  quality  of  sanitation infrastructure  for around  42 000  inhabitants.  The  ERDF  will  invest in 105.5 km  of 
drinking water production and distribution networks to improve network efficiency and for the MEREN project studies 
(Mobilisation des Ressources en Eau des micro-régions Est et Nord). The ERDF supports water resources and quality and 
the deployment of drinking water production and wastewater treatment capacities across the island,  particularly to rural 
areas, which are still lagging behind metropolitan regions. It also contributes to increasing the efficiency of the water supply 
network and reusing wastewater, along with other support actions. 

Creation of a water purification plant on the Dassy – Municipality of Saint-Pierre 

Total budget: EUR 16.5 million (EU support: EUR 7.5 million) Years of implementation: 2019-2021 

Over 50% of the municipality of Saint-Pierre is supplied by the surface resource of the Bras de 
la  Plaine.  These  abstracted  waters  are  subject  to  significant  turbidity  variations  in  rainy 
conditions. This project consisted in the creation of a water purification plant of 24 500 m3 /day 
and a 5 000 m3 treated water reservoir. 

Etang-salé drinking water production unit 

Total budget: EUR 7.5 million (EU support :EUR 4.8 million)   Year of implementation: 2023-2025 

The drinking water production unit consists of two components: a water sector concerning water treatment and 
including a 3 000 m3 treated water tank; and a discharge chain consisting of the collection of dirty washing and purge 
water, including a 200 m3 dirty water tank. The project was also funded during the previous programming period 
(2014-2020) with EUR 4.2 million from the ERDF. 

Other relevant EU funds or initiatives 

The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) finances water management and support operations for 
agricultural irrigation and to improve water supply conditions (EUR 106 million for 2014-2022, and EUR 23 million for 
2023-2027). 

(ii)  Urban mobility and transport 

Réunion is facing significant challenges in terms of decongesting and securing its road traffic and developing collective 
transport. Roland Garros airport, the seaport, and the entire primary road network have reached their maximum capacity. 
Réunion is also facing a steady increase in traffic despite the recent development of clean transport (bus lanes). There are 
few alternatives to the predominance of car transport, as there is no rail network and public transport accounts for only 7% 
of the modal share of journeys, compared with 66% for private cars. Infrastructure projects focusing on sustainable and new 
modes of transport can increase the range of public transport supply, increasing its attractiveness and reducing associated 
CO2 emissions. The Regional Plan of La Réunion Transport Infrastructure (SRIT) sets a target of increasing the modal share 
of collective transport to 15% by 2030. Réunion is dependent on its port and airport infrastructure and the development of 
this infrastructure has been supported by EU funds since 1989. This has made it possible to respond to changing standards 
and to the need to extend and adapt the equipment for freight traffic for the port and for passengers for airports. 

Cohesion policy programmes 

EU  funds,  specifically  the  regional  programmes  under  cohesion  policy,  support  initiatives  in  this  field  by  investing  in 
sustainable transport and renewed port and airport infrastructure. 

Support provided under the 2014-2020 programmes 

The ERDF invested EUR 278 million in sustainable mobility, of which EUR 44 million from REACT-EU. The measures 
aimed  at  creating  exchange  hubs  to  improve  connections  between  interurban  and  local  transport  networks,  and  at  the 
promotion  of  intermodality  and  the  harmonisation  of  fares.  Moreover,  studies  and  works  for  the  installation  of  cable 
transport were supported. The 2014-2020 programme also co-financed the construction of the New Coastal Road, which is 
the only functional route between the north, west and south of the island. In terms of transport infrastructure, the ERDF 
contribution  amounts  to  EUR 111 million,  including the  improvement  and increase  of  port reception  capacities  and  the 

Page 40 of 75 

 
 
 
 
extension of Roland Garros airport. The ERDF support enabled the construction or rehabilitation of 11 multimodal stations, 
36 km of cycle paths, and the construction of a cable car and 33 km of transportation lanes. 

Support envisaged under the 2021-2027 programmes 

The ERDF plans to invest EUR 195 million in clean urban transport, multimodal transport (TEN-T), railways, seaports and 
airports. It aims to enhance or improve the provision of public transport in urban areas (cable cars, development of light rail 
networks,  new  transportation  lanes).  Particular  attention  will  be  paid  to  the  development  of  multimodality  through  the 
deployment  of  park-and-ride  facilities,  car-sharing  areas,  or  the  coordination  of  the  various  transport  networks.  The 
programme includes the development of new cycle and pedestrian paths. ERDF support will contribute to saving travel time 
by 38% by 2029 and building 19 km of cycle paths. 

Total budget: EUR 40 million (EU support: EUR 17.3 million) Years of implementation: 2020-2022 

Transport by cable car ‘Papangue’ – Municipality of Saint-Denis 

The project consists of the creation of a 2.7 km long cable car line, connecting five stations 
(Chaudron, Campus, Moufia, Bancoul and Bois de Nèfles)  in the municipality of Saint-
Denis. The total travel time  is 13 minutes  and the line will comprise 46 cabins with 10 
seats, i.e. a station crossing frequency every 35 seconds. 

Extension of the Roland Garros Airport 

Total budget: EUR 113 million (EU support: EUR 66 million)  Years of implementation: 2021-2023 

The  renovated  airport  comprises  a  new  arrival  terminal,  optimised  spaces  and 
upgraded  baggage  sorting  systems  to  meet  current  standards.  The  new  arrival 
terminal is the world’s first bioclimatic terminal, using the wind to cool the building 
rather than air conditioning. This innovative design, focusing on optimal renewable 
energy use and natural ventilation, sets a new standard for tropical airports. With a 
direct impact of over 18 600 jobs and contributing to 4% of the island’s GDP, Roland 
Garros Airport is a vital economic driver in the region. The airport plans to increase 
passenger numbers from 2.3 million in 2022 to 3 million by 2030. 

(iii)  Education (including infrastructure), guidance and training, and early school-leaving 

Réunion is facing challenges linked to education, such as early school-leaving and low levels of graduates in the population. 
Strong demographic growth is putting the education infrastructure under pressure. In 2022, 120 000 people were illiterate 
(23% of the population), three times as many as in France (7%). Raising the level of education is therefore a major priority 
and the objective is to enable 50% of 18-25-year-olds to obtain a higher education qualification by 2030. Despite some 
improvements, there are still significant delays in education infrastructure, particularly for professional and higher education 
courses.  

Cohesion policy programmes 

EU  funds,  specifically  the  regional  programmes  under  cohesion  policy,  support  initiatives  in  this  field  by  investing  in 
education, skills and lifelong learning, by promoting access to employment and by supporting labour mobility. The funds 
also promote social inclusion and combat poverty, foster COVID-19 crisis repair, and prepare the green, digital and resilient 
recovery of the economy. 

Support provided under the 2014-2020 programmes 

The ESF planned to invest almost EUR 204 million in education, training and vocational training for the acquisition of skills 

and lifelong learning and has focused its investment priorities on operations to reduce early school-leaving (EUR 5 million 

earmarked for 22 operations) and to increase the skills of the population far from the labour market (EUR 199 million for 
141 operations). Over 38 000 participants benefited from these measures. The ESF has supported structural schemes such 
as  the  School  of  Second  Chance,  the  Adapted  Military  Service  or  those  aimed  at  removing  obstacles  to  the  entry  into 
employment of young people with no qualifications. Training aims at a positive entry, e.g. beneficiaries are supported in 
job searches, training, qualifications or employment upon leaving (77% have a positive exit). In addition, EUR 83 million 
of ESF funding under REACT-EU was spent to develop skills for access to a weakened and more selective labour market 
by encouraging the use of digital educational resources (15 000 participants). 

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Adapted Military Service of Réunion (RSMA-R) 

Total budget: EUR 102 million (EU support: EUR 102 million) Years of implementation: 2014-2020 

The  project  supports  the  vocational  integration  of  young  Reunionese  aged  18-25  who  are  far  from  training  and 
employment. The Adapted Military Service Regiment (RSMA) has been designed to  offer comprehensive support to 
young people by combining vocational, civic and military training, and 8 out of 10 young people find a job at the end of 
their training. An average of 1 400 volunteers are trained in one job every year. With 38 courses run by professionals, the 
RSMA  offers  basic  training  courses  for  integration  (first  aid,  driving  licences,  etc.),  supplemented  by  periods  of 
application in the company and a chosen vocational training, from 60 courses adapted to the needs of the Réunion labour 
market.  Since  2014,  more than  11 312  trainees  and  310  managers  dedicated to youth  action  have  benefited  from  the 
project, with 80% positive outflows and an average duration of training of 6 months to 1 year. 

The ERDF planned to increase the school enrolment capacity of young people. Efforts in education infrastructure have 
greatly contributed to improving the level of training of the population. However, the specific demographic dynamics of the 
island  require  a  further  increase  in  student  reception  capacities,  particularly  at  secondary  education  level.  The  ERDF 
invested EUR 173 million (of which EUR 120 million under REACT-EU) in the creation, equipment, modernisation and 
thermal  renovation/heat  insulation  of  public  education  and  training  infrastructures.  Under  this,  3  secondary  schools,  3 
colleges, 2 training centres and 4 higher education buildings were renovated or constructed, and 8 secondary schools and 2 
colleges  have  benefited  from  thermal  renovation  work.  In  addition,  school  buildings  were  prioritised  for  national 
appropriations (2015-2020). 

Rehabilitation/extension of the Hotelier Vocational School ‘Renaissance’ – Municipality of Saint-Paul 

Total budget: EUR 10 million (EU support: EUR 9.3 million) Years of implementation: 2020-2023 

The Renaissance Hotels and Restaurants School, located in the municipality 
of Saint-Paul, is a secondary school specialising in the catering and hospitality 
sector. The floor area is 10 859 m² for a reception capacity of 700 pupils. The 
overall  operation  for  the  rehabilitation/extension  of  the  secondary  school, 
covering all existing buildings, will increase the floor area of the school to 
12 301 m², of which 6 731 m² for buildings A, B and F have been supported 
under the ERDF programme. 

Support envisaged under the 2021-2027 programmes 

The ESF+ plans to support actions on training at all levels for jobseekers and inactive people (including young people aged 
under 30), effective guidance, development of digital skills, and support for mobility. At least 6 000 participants will be 
supported by 2024 and 21 600 by 2029. The estimated ESF+ budget is EUR 144 million. Thanks to the upgraded Youth 
Guarantee, EUR 18 million will be used to support 4 000 young people by 2026. The ESF+ programme focuses on the 
integration of young people in difficulties, through an adapted training offer. It will support at least 1 900 participants by 
2024 and 6 800 by 2029. The estimated ESF+ budget is EUR 21.1 million. A quarter of ESF+ resources are programmed 
to promote social inclusion and aid to the most deprived (EUR 7 million under contract and 6 400 final beneficiaries by 
2026). To this end, EUR 4 million will be allocated to training teachers on inclusive methods to combat discrimination in 
school. 

The ERDF will contribute to improving the access to training and education for pupils, students, and young workers. It 
plans to invest EUR 114.8 million in infrastructure for secondary and higher education to accommodate an additional 4 250 
people. The ERDF will support  the  development of high-quality training, and  it will  support new secondary schools in 
meeting the ‘quasi-zero carbon’ standard, the construction of new higher education infrastructure, and the rehabilitation of 

Page 42 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
public training centres. The aim is to increase the provision of professional advanced learning by creating and adapting 
training, secondary and university infrastructure, and promoting an increase in training levels and the number of people 
trained. 

Lycée des métiers de la mer – Commune du Port 

Total budget: EUR 77 million (EU support: EUR 30 million) Years of implementation: 2025-2028 

The  project  supports  the  construction  of  a  high  school  for  maritime  professions,  with  a  focus  on  initial  professional 
training, complemented by a general pathway focused on mathematics and science (capacity: 726 students). It will have 
a regional cooperation dimension around three strands: professional training targeted at maritime professions; excellent 
scientific training; and high-level higher education. The construction will comply with the nearly-zero energy buildings 
standard. 

(iv)  (Youth) employment and mobility 

Réunion  faces  significant  challenges  related  to  (youth)  employment  and  mobility.  The  working-age  population  in 
employment is well below the national average: in 2023, the employment rate of 15-64-year-olds in the region was only 
50% (18 percentage points lower than France) and is also particularly low for women and young people. The poverty rate 
is declining but remains very high (36% of the population lives below the level of poverty). The youth unemployment rate 
in Réunion stands at 39.3% and the acquisition of basic skills remains a major challenge. In 2021, 41 000 young people 
aged 15-29 were not in employment, training or education (NEETs). They account for 26% of this age group (twice that of 
mainland France), although this proportion has decreased since 2019 (34%). Only 27% of young people (15-29-year-olds) 
were in employment in 2021, compared with the national average of 47% (INSEE, 2022). 

Cohesion policy programmes 

EU funds, specifically the regional programmes under cohesion policy, support these initiatives notably by enhancing the 
promotion of sustainable, quality employment, by supporting labour mobility, a social and solidarity economy, and business 
start-ups. 

Support provided under the 2014-2020 programmes 

The  ESF  allocated  EUR 226 million  to  promote  sustainable  and  quality  employment  and  support  labour  mobility.  The 
mobility schemes performed well, achieving their financial targets (EUR 109.4 million of ESF support for 20 operations). 
The ESF increased the number of young people moving to employment (EUR 104.3 million of programmed ESF support, 
of which EUR 79.6 million for apprenticeship support (36 operations)). It also supported business start-ups and the social 
and solidarity economy (EUR 11.2 million for 56 operations) and increased the skills of the workforce (EUR 8.5 million, 
19 operations). By the end of 2023, more than 91 000 participants benefited from the above actions. 

The School of Second Chance of Réunion 

Total budget: EUR 10.5 million (EU support: EUR 8 million) Years of implementation: 2014-2020 

The School of Second Chance of La Réunion (E2CR) was set up in 2010 and certified by the E2C France Network in 
December 2011. Its aim is to ensure the professional and social integration of young Reunionese without a diploma or 
qualification. The E2CR offers young people aged 18-25 an individualised pathways linked to the business world. The 
measures put in place combine appropriate pedagogy, strong involvement of the business community and networking, 
support, guidance and inclusion. Trainees receive individualised support to help them progress at their own  pace in a 
restricted group (maximum 15 students per class). Since 2010, 3 913 trainees and 51 employees dedicated to youth action 
benefited from the project, with 60% of positive outflows per operation, with an average duration of training of 5 months. 

Support envisaged under the 2021-2027 programmes 

The ESF+ plans to improve employability through access to training and mobility, and to support the integration of young 
people in difficulty. The provisional ESF+ budget in the national programme for this purpose is EUR 171 million and it will 
support social inclusion of those furthest away from employment, and socio-professional integration of those under the age 
of 30. In addition, EUR 16 million is allocated to active inclusion, and social integration of people at risk of poverty and 
material deprivation. 

Page 43 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
3.6. Saint-Martin 

Page 44 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SAINT-MARTIN 

At a glance 

•  Located in the Caribbean on the same island as the overseas country and territory 

of Sint-Maarten. 

•  Tourism (+144.8% in 2022 compared with 2021) and the construction sector are 

main drivers of economic growth. 

•  Unemployment rate  (33.1% in 2019) higher than in other French  departments; 
many young and qualified people search for jobs abroad and leave the territory. 
Fragile  labour  market,  with  a  high  share  of  the  population  without  tertiary 
education, and a high poverty rate. 

• 

•  Approximately 50% of the regional population aged 15 years or older does not 

have a diploma or, at most, a high school diploma. 

32 358 

6 712 km 

53 km2 

France 
36,700

GDP/capita 
(EUR - 2021)

Source: IEDOM + INSEE (*) 

(*)  INSEE  (Institut  national de la  statistique  et 
des  études  économiques)  Guadeloupe 
is 
responsible for Saint-Martin statistics, limited to 
the population census and employment data.  

Saint-Martin 
16,962

Cohesion policy funds in Saint-Martin 

ERDF 2014-2020 

ESF 2014-2020 

ERDF mainstream: EUR 32.1 million 
ERDF  specific  additional  outermost  region  (OR)  allocation: 
EUR 7.4 million 

ESF mainstream: EUR 16.6 million 

TOTAL: EUR 16.6 million 

TOTAL: EUR 39.5 million  

TOTAL Cohesion policy funds 2014-2020: EUR 56.1 million 

REACT-EU ERDF : EUR 34.2 million 

REACT-EU ESF : EUR 8 million 

TOTAL REACT-EU(*): EUR 42.2 million  (*) NextGenerationEU for ERDF and ESF (2014-2020) 

ERDF 2021-2027 

ESF+ 2021-2027 

ERDF mainstream: EUR 51.2 million 
ERDF specific additional OR allocation: EUR 7.6 million 

ESF+ mainstream: EUR 22.0 million 
ESF+ specific additional OR allocation: EUR 2.5 million 

TOTAL: EUR 58.8 million 
TOTAL Cohesion policy funds 2021-2027: EUR 83.3 million 

TOTAL: EUR 24.5 million  

TOTAL 2014-2027 (Cohesion policy funds and REACT-EU): EUR 181.6 million 

Saint-Martin  is  facing major  challenges in:  (i)  access  to water and  sanitation;  (ii)  road transport; (iii)  early  school-
leaving, and (youth) employment; (iv) social inclusion. It is benefiting from substantial EU support to address these areas. 
In  2014-2027  (both  programming  periods),  the  total  ERDF  and  ESF(+)  support  to  these  key  priorities  is 
EUR 66.2 million. 

Key areas 

Page 45 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(i)  Access to water and sanitation 

Access to water and sanitation is a significant issue for Saint-Martin. While the need for drinking water is increasing, the 
current production is not sufficient during certain periods of the year. This results in water distribution restrictions divided 
between the different districts of the island. Water production is also highly energy consuming, as it is produced by an oil-
fired power plant. The only water resource on the island is seawater, treated by a filtration plant (set up in 2006 and located 
in Marigot) with a reverse osmosis process. Rehabilitation works in 2021 have increased the production by 25%, bringing 
it from 6 000 to 8 000 m³; once produced, the water is stored in six tanks with a total capacity of 15 000 m3. In 2022, the 
volume distributed on average each day was 6 774 m3. In 2021, the distribution network extended over 201 km (including 
54 km of connections). The technical rate of return fell to 57% after the passage of Hurricane Irma, before rising to 64% in 
2020 and then to 70% in 2021 and 2022. The pre-Irma level was reached thanks to the search and repair of leaks and the 
renewal of certain infrastructures. The public collective sanitation network is made up of 71 km of pipes and 32 recovery 
stations. Around 70% of the population is served by a network sanitation system. The island of Saint-Martin also has six 
public wastewater treatment stations. 

Cohesion policy programmes 

EU funds, specifically the regional programmes under cohesion policy, massively finance infrastructures for wastewater 
treatment, water access and water production (to solve the current needs for drinking water) and to reduce leaks and improve 
wastewater  treatment.  It  also  considers  reducing  non-renewable  energy  in  the  process  with  the  goal  to  guarantee  a 
sustainable and general access to drinking water for the entire population and for tourism purposes. 

Support provided under the 2014-2020 programmes 

The ERDF planned to invest EUR 14.5 million under REACT-EU for wastewater treatment projects and EUR 2.4 million 
for water access. By December 2023, all the amounts for the wastewater treatment had been invested. The target of 21 000 
inhabitants served by the new investments has been reached with the construction of the new wastewater treatment plant in 
the Orleans district and the renovation and extension of the network. 

Construction of the new wastewater treatment plant in the Orleans district 

Total budget: EUR 13 million (EU support: EUR 5.3 million) Year of implementation: 2021 

This water purifier is intended to treat the wastewaters of 18 000 inhabitants 
and is designed to cover the long-term disposal needs of half of the territory 
of Saint-Martin. The installation uses an innovative concept associating the 
classic sewage water treatment to the purifying capacities of the plants. This 
treatment performance helps to guarantee the quality of the water returned 
to the natural environment and to preserve the ecosystems. Designed to resist 
natural hazards, the purification station is also a cornerstone of education 
and awareness for sustainable development, ecology and protection of the 
environment. The plant has a processing capacity of 3 730 m3/d. 

Support envisaged under the 2021-2027 programmes 

The ERDF plans to invest EUR 10 million to improve the water production and storage infrastructure (EUR 6.3 million) 
and to support the renovation and extension of sanitation networks, treatment and reuse of wastewater (EUR 3.8 million). 
Climatic and geological conditions have a very negative impact on the durability of these networks, taking into account the 
wear  and  tear  created  by  the  required  chlorine  levels  and  the  temperature  of  the  desalinated  water.  An  expansion  and 
renovation of the desalination plant will reduce its energy consumption. Its development will take into account resilience 
issues, the rehabilitation of boosters, the installation of water disinfection systems, renovation, and the creation or securing 
of reservoirs. The renovation and extension of sanitation networks mainly targets construction and installation operations 
of pipes, equipment and wastewater structures in the territory, as well as any action contributing to their compliance and 
improved quality. 

(ii)  Road transport 

As a small island, Saint-Martin suffers from a bi-dimensional transport challenge. External maritime and air transport is 
essential to connect the island to other islands and the rest of the world and  is key for tourism, while internal transport 
suffers  from  congestion  created  by  tourism  and  population  growth.  Currently,  the  island  is  under-equipped  and  not 
multimodal.  Demographic  pressure  risks  congesting  the  networks  in  the  coming  years.  The  need  to  improve  the  road 

Page 46 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
network has become a priority to facilitate mobility, reduce traffic jams  – and associated static fuel consumption  – and 
facilitate soft mobility along the main road. 

Cohesion policy programmes 

EU funds, specifically the regional programmes under cohesion policy, aim at improving the transport situation in Saint-
Martin. Under the 2021-2027 programme, the need to improve the road network has become a priority and the specific 
additional allocation will entirely support this priority. 

Support provided under the 2014-2020 programmes 

The ERDF planned to invest EUR 3 million under REACT-EU for transport, mainly devoted to the Marigot Ferry Terminal, 
but with a limited amount of EUR 166 000 for local roads. By December 2023, the investments planned had been achieved 
and are now operational. 

Rehabilitation and transformation of the Marigot Ferry Terminal into a multimodal exchange hub 

Total budget: EUR 1.5 million (EU support: EUR 1.5 million)   

 Year of implementation: 2024 

The Marigot ferry terminal was built in 2008. Lined with traditional and local 
shops and restaurants, it is a popular place due to its proximity to the city 
centre.  Following  the  passage  of  Hurricane  Irma,  the  building  suffered 
significant  damage.  It  initially  underwent  emergency  repairs  to  remain 
functional. The rehabilitation and transformation of the ferry terminal into a 
multimodal  exchange  hub  was  launched  in  2020.  The  ferry  terminal  is 
intended to become once more a major facility in the economic development 
of the island. 

Support envisaged under the 2021-2027 programmes 

The ERDF plans to invest EUR 7.3 million in road transport infrastructure. The planned developments will respond to the 
intensification of traffic, so as to improve and decongest the road networks and guarantee the safety of users, but also to 
develop a road network including more pedestrian routes. 

Other relevant EU funds or initiatives 

The ‘Joint Assistance to Support Projects in European Regions’ (JASPERS) supports capacity for developing large projects, 
such as for transport. JASPERS is supporting Saint-Martin authorities in unlocking road investments. 

(iii)  Early school-leaving, and (youth) employment 

Saint-Martin is facing significant challenges related to early school-leaving and (youth) unemployment. Saint-Martin is a 
small island, and some higher education programmes are not available locally. Scholarships offered by the Collectivity of 
Saint-Martin allow students to travel to other countries or regions to access specialised training. They aim to encourage 
mobility, intercultural learning, and personal development for students from Saint-Martin and to contribute to their academic 
and professional success.  

Cohesion policy programmes 

EU  funds,  specifically  the  regional  programmes  under  cohesion  policy,  support  initiatives  in  this  field  by  encouraging 
geographical mobility (particularly student mobility, with higher co-funding rates) and developing young people’s skills. 

Support provided under the 2014-2020 programmes 

The ESF planned to invest 13.7 million to establish a system that meets the orientation and integration needs of young 
people and to encourage geographical mobility. During the whole period, 1 857 students under 25 received support. 

Support envisaged under the 2021-2027 programmes 

The ESF+ plans to invest EUR 4.4 million to improve access to employment and activation measures for all jobseekers, in 
particular young people. Through the implementation of the Youth Guarantee, the promotion of self-employment and the 
social economy, it will support long-term unemployed and disadvantaged groups on the labour market and  the inactive 
population. It will dedicate EUR 11.5 million to education and training, promoting lifelong learning, in particular flexible 
upskilling and reskilling opportunities. 

Page 47 of 75 

 
 
 
 
  
Aid for student mobility in 2022-2023 

Total budget: EUR 3 million (EU support: EUR 3 million) 

 Years of implementation: 2022-2023 

This mobility assistance aid has been allocated on a “general case” or as an “incentive grant”. Regarding students on 
mobility  in  the  EU,  the  “general  case”  has  five  levels  and  the  amounts  vary  from  EUR 4 400  to  EUR 11 400;  the 
“incentive  grant”  has  four  levels,  and  the  amounts  vary  from  EUR 6 400 to  EUR 13 600.  The  “general case”  targets 
higher education from Bac+1 going to doctoral students without specifying sectors. On the other hand, the “incentive 
grant” is provided for the benefit of students registered in priority sectors meeting needs in sectors identified as generating 
qualified  employment.  For  student  mobility  assistance  in  the  EU,  non-incentive  aid  was  allocated  to  405  post-
baccalaureate  students  and  incentive  aid  was  allocated  to  80  post-baccalaureate  students,  for  a  total  of  485  post-
baccalaureate students with a complete application. 

(iv)  Social inclusion 

Social inclusion is a key challenge for Saint-Martin. The geographical isolation of Saint-Martin can lead to challenges in 
connecting  with  other  regions.  The  economic  disparities  make  addressing  economic  gaps  crucial  for  social  inclusion. 
Balancing  tourism  and  integration  of  migrants  as  well  as  equal  access  to  education  and  job  opportunities  is  of  special 
relevance.  Healthcare  and  social  services  should  also  ensure  equitable  access  to  services.  The  preservation  of  cultural 
heritage while promoting inclusivity is another key area. In this line, a thematic axis of action is to promote employment, 
inclusion  and  the  fight  against  poverty  with  EUR 2.2 million.  Its  objective  is  to  structure  and  develop  the  social  and 
solidarity economy sector to fight against social exclusion. 

Cohesion policy programmes 

EU  funds,  specifically  the  regional  programmes  under  cohesion  policy,  support  these  initiatives  by  promoting  social 
inclusion through work integration, which is essential for creating a more equitable and cohesive society. 

Support provided under the 2014-2020 programmes 

The ESF planned to invest EUR 2.2 million in the area of social inclusion. It aimed to support six operations, including a 
‘professional  immersion  action  for  people  with  disabilities’.  By  December  2023,  a  total  of  EUR  1.5  million  had  been 
invested. 

Creation of a workshop and integration project dedicated to roofing framework work 

Total budget: EUR 0.6 million (EU support: EUR 0.5 million)   

 Years of implementation: 2020-2023 

The project supports integration into the workplace and provides social support and professional supervision, including 
the training of employees. ESF supports the construction of roofing frames for 25 participants (25 projects), the 
technical supervision and a carpenter’s helper, to support the socio-professional support during their integration path. 
The results included a rate of 25% success related to sustainable employment, 15% for permanent employment 
transition and 20% for (pre)qualifying training. 

Support envisaged under the 2021-2027 programmes 

The ESF+ plans to invest EUR 5 million for social inclusion to promote equal opportunities, non‑discrimination, and to 
enhance employability, in particular for disadvantaged groups. It will also promote the social integration of people at risk 
of poverty or social exclusion, including the most deprived people and children.  

Page 48 of 75 

 
 
 
 
3.7. The Azores 

Page 49 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
THE AZORES 
THE AZORES 

At a glance 

•  Gross domestic product/capita (purchasing power standard) stands 

at 71% of the EU average. 

•  Unemployment rate (6.4% in 2023) is only slightly above the EU 

average. 

•  Rate of young people neither in employment nor in education and 

training (NEET), at 13% in 2023, is well above the Portuguese and 
EU averages, but it has been dropping over the last years. 
Percentage of households with broadband access to the internet 
(88% in 2021) is higher in the Azores than in Portugal. 

• 

•  Exclusive maritime economic zone: 938 000 km2. 

239 942 

1445 km 

2.322 km2 

- 

Unemployment 

NEET 

INDICATORS 

GDP 

Gross domestic product/capita (purchasing power standard - % of EU-27) 

GDP/capita at current market prices (EUR) 

Population 

Median age 2023 
Median age projections in 2100 
Total population 2023 

Projections total population in 2100 

Total population projections 2100 as % of total population 2023 

Unemployment by age group 

Unemployment rate 15-74 (%) 

Employment rate 15-64 (%) 

Youth unemployment rate 15-24 (%) 

Research 

Human resources in science & technology (% of active population) 

QUALITY OF LIFE INDICATORS 

Access to education 

Early leavers from education and training 18-24 (%) 

Young people neither in employment nor in education and training 15-24, NEET (%) 

Tertiary education attainment 25-64 (%)  

Less than primary/lower secondary education attainment 25-64 (%)  

Access to ICT  

Individuals who used the internet at least once a week (%)  

Households with broadband access to the internet (%)  

Access to health 

Number of medical doctors per 100 000 inhabitants 
Number of hospital beds per 100 000 inhabitants 

The Azores 

Portugal 

2022 

71 

21 100 

2023 

42.7 
52.3 (+9.6 y) 
239 942 

152 550 

2022 

79 

23 500 

2023 

47.0 
49.5 (+2.5 y) 
10.5 million 

7.9 million 

EU 

2022 

100 

35 400 

2023 

43.9 (2020) 
48.8 (+4.9 y) 
448.8 million 

416 million 

64% 

2023 

6.4 

68.2  

-  

2023 

26.4 

2023 

21.7 

13.0 

17.2 

58.4 

2022 

85 

75% 

2023 

6.5 

72.5 

20.3 

2023 

31.1 

2023 

8.0 

7.9 

29.9 

40.6 

2022 

83 

93% 

2023 

6.1 

70.4 

14.5 

2023 

35.9 

2023 

9.5 

9.2 

35.1 

20.2 

2022 

- 

88 (2021) 

84 (2021) 

90 (2021) 

2021 

383 

672 

2021 

562 

351 

2021  

- 

532 (2019) 

Page 50 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cohesion policy funds in the Azores 

ERDF 2014-2020 

ESF 2014-2020 

ERDF mainstream: EUR 736 million 
ERDF  specific  additional  outermost  region  (OR)  allocation: 
EUR 57.5 million 

ESF mainstream: EUR 343.7 million 

TOTAL: EUR 343.7 million 

TOTAL ERDF: EUR 793.5 million 
Cohesion Fund: EUR 177.5 million, of which: 
- Operational Programme Compete 2020: EUR 122 million 
(maritime transport) 
- Operational Programme Sustainability and Resource 
Efficiency (POSEUR): EUR 55.5 million 

TOTAL Cohesion policy funds 2014-2020: EUR 1 314.7 million  

REACT-EU ERDF: EUR 100 million 

REACT-EU ESF: EUR 28.5 million  

TOTAL REACT-EU(*): EUR 128.5 million  (*) NextGenerationEU for ERDF, CF and ESF (2014-2020) 

ERDF 2021-2027 

ESF+ 2021-2027 

ERDF mainstream: EUR 622 million 
ERDF specific additional OR allocation: EUR 58 million 

ESF+ mainstream: EUR 441 million 
ESF+ specific additional OR allocation: EUR 19 million 

TOTAL ERDF: EUR 680 million 
Cohesion Fund (Sustainability Programme): EUR 304 million 
of which: 
- EUR 59.5 million for air transport 
- EUR 244.5 million for maritime transport 

TOTAL: EUR 460 million 

TOTAL Cohesion policy funds 2021-2027: EUR 1 444 million 

TOTAL 2014-2027 (Cohesion policy funds and REACT-EU): EUR 2 887.2 million 

Key areas 

The Azores are facing major challenges in: (i) healthcare; (ii) access to water and water treatment; (iii) transport; (iv) 
education and training, early school-leaving, and (youth) employment; (v) social protection. The Azores are benefiting 
from substantial EU support. In 2014-2027 (both programming periods), the total ERDF, Cohesion Fund and ESF(+) support 
to these key priorities is EUR 1 418 million (about 41% of the total allocation for programmes for the Azores 2014-2020 
and 2021-2027).  

(i)  Healthcare 

Access to healthcare remains a challenge for the Azores. The performance of the regional health service is conditioned by 
the territorial dispersion of the Azores, leading to higher costs because of dispersed resources and infrastructure. Only three 
out of the nine islands have a hospital, and the remaining populations are supported by a system of health centres in the 19 
municipalities. The offer of medical specialties varies among the three hospitals, and connectivity is a key issue to move 
patients, health professionals and equipment. Specialists also move from hospitals on the mainland to the Azores to cover 
gaps  in  some  clinical  specialties  and  treatments.  Furthermore,  the  ageing  of  the  population,  new  social  trends,  and 
technological developments have all contributed to an expansion in the demand for health and social services. These require 
further investments to enable better access to these services and to achieve greater territorial homogeneity, and to provide 
special attention to marginalised groups and people at risk of poverty. 

Cohesion policy programmes 

EU  funds,  specifically  the  regional  programmes  under  cohesion  policy,  support  these  initiatives  by  encouraging  the 
improvement  of  local  health  centres  for  the  decentralisation  of  healthcare.  There  is  a  need  to  further  invest  in  health 
infrastructure and equipment to support the development of equal access to healthcare on all islands and locations. 

Support provided under the 2014-2020 programmes 

The ERDF planned to invest EUR 56.8 million in healthcare infrastructure (new health centres, upgrading and upscaling of 
hospitals  and  health  centres  and  equipment).  By  December  2023,  EUR 51.7 million  had  been  invested  in  health 

Page 51 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
infrastructure  and  125 246  individuals  had  been  covered  by  improved  health  services.  The  programme  provided  new 
equipment in 36 social and health centres. 

Support envisaged under the 2021-2027 programmes 

The ERDF plans to invest EUR 72.4 million for the renovation or construction of new energy-efficient healthcare buildings, 
health equipment, and measures to improve the delivery of family and community-based care services. By 2029, the regional 
programme aims to provide new or modernised healthcare facilities for a capacity of 500 000 people and to increase the 
annual users of these facilities to 1 million people. 

Other relevant EU funds or initiatives  

The Recovery and Resilience Facility also supports the digitalisation of the regional health service in the Azores with the 
creation of an electronic health record.   

Construction of the New Body C of the Horta Hospital and the Horta Health Centre 

Total budget: EUR 7.5 million (EU support: EUR 6.4 million)   

 Year of implementation: 2023 

This  investment  project  has  renewed  and  extended  the  scope  of  the  Horta  Hospital  and  promoted  the  geographical 
concentration of primary care in the hospital building. This has in turn increased the response to the hospital’s demand 
for external consultation, the capacity for dialysis and inpatient services. Actions have delivered on the refurbishment of 
the emergency service, the creation of a new intensive care unit, room adaptation for a hyperbaric camera, the extension 
of the haemodialysis service, and the replacement of air conditioning systems in the operating room. The geographical 
concentration, ensured by the integration of the Horta Health Centre into the hospital building, has enabled an integrated 
service between primary and hospital care. Therefore, this investment has greatly contributed to enhancing access to 
healthcare  for  the  population,  alleviating  one  of  the  fundamental  challenges  caused  by  territorial  dispersion  in  the 
archipelago. 

Construction of a new building for SEEMBO – Specialised Service for Epidemiology and Molecular Biology 

Total  budget:  EUR 4.5 million  (EU  support  (estimated):  EUR 3.8 million)  Year  of  implementation:  expected  start 
2024 

COVID-19  highlighted  the  important  role  of  regional  medical  laboratories.  Around  10 years  ago,  during  another 
epidemic, the SEEMBO played a pivotal role as it established itself as the reference laboratory for medical tests in the 
Azores. It was the first laboratory to obtain accreditation from Dr Ricardo Jorge’s National Health Institute and to obtain 
autonomy in carrying out these tests. The current infrastructural contingencies (partial occupation of an old building not 
owned  and  shared  with  other  services,  which  present  a  high  biological  risk)  increase  the  challenges  to  providing  a 
sufficient assistance and laboratory response that is crucial for the regional response in critical situations. 

(ii)  Access to water and water treatment 

Strengthening access to water, and its efficient management, is a priority in the Azores. Positive changes addressing some 
structural delays have taken place in the last years. Still, efforts should be increased in view of the persistence of some 
deterioration in water quality, quantity and its treatment. The expansion and/or rehabilitation of water supply networks, 

Page 52 of 75 

 
 
 
  
 
 
increased storage capacity, and monitoring and resolution of network losses are the priority areas for action in the coming 
years. The integrated regional strategy to promote and guarantee water quality and to improve the services provided to the 
population includes investments in water infrastructure, the optimisation of water use and management, and the assessment 
and monitoring of water resources. These investments contribute significantly to the action plan ‘Towards Zero Pollution 
for Air, Water and Soil’, which is one of the main achievements of the European Green Deal. 

Cohesion policy programmes 

EU  funds,  specifically  the  regional  programmes  under  cohesion  policy,  support  these  initiatives  by  encouraging  the 
increased access to high-quality water and improved wastewater treatment. Both the 2014-2020 and 2021-2027 programmes 
set out targets for 2023 and  2029, respectively. For the optimisation and efficient management of water resources, it is 
necessary to invest in new or upgraded infrastructure, ensuring the quality of service provided to the population and the 
sustainability of systems. This entails controlling and reducing losses in water distribution and supply systems, improving 
wastewater sanitation systems, reducing urban pollution in water bodies, and reducing and controlling infiltration, collapse 
and flooding. 

Support provided under the 2014-2020 programmes 

The  ERDF  planned  to  invest  EUR 19 million  in  the  provision  of  water  for  human  consumption  (extraction,  treatment, 
storage  and  distribution  infrastructure,  water  management  and  drinking  water  conservation  (including  river  basin 
management, water supply, specific climate change adaptation measures, district and consumer metering, charging systems 
and leak reduction)) and wastewater treatment. By December 2023, EUR 19.2 million had been invested and 87 148 people 
had been served by improved water supply. 

Support envisaged for the 2021-2027 programmes 

The ERDF plans  to invest EUR 46 million in the provision of water for human consumption compliant with efficiency 
criteria, water management and water resource conservation (including river basin management, specific climate change 
adaptation measures, reuse and leak reduction) and wastewater collection and treatment compliant with energy efficiency 
criteria. By 2029, the programme for the Azores will provide 290 km of new or upgraded pipes for the distribution system 
of public water supply, connecting 150 000 people to improved public water supply. 

Water with quality – Municipality of Calheta 

Total budget: EUR 2.2 million (EU support: EUR 1.9 million)   

Year of implementation: 2020 

The supply of drinking water to the villages in the municipality of Calheta was provided through natural springs connected 
to infrastructure from the 1980s, along the lines of the entire supply and distribution system. Apart from the wear and 
tear of the previous system, the perimeters of protection to the springs were not implemented. This action to rehabilitate 
the  water  network  and  increase  the  hydraulic  availability  of  the  municipality  included  the  implementation  of  spring 
protection perimeters, the replacement of sections of pipeline, the construction of water reservoirs and charge-depleting 
chambers,  and  the  rehabilitation  of  the  existing  infrastructure  (both  construction  and  equipment).  This  has  led  to  an 
improvement in the efficiency of systems, lower costs, better quality of the service, and higher sustainability. 

(iii)  Transport 

Strengthening the integration, intermodality and sustainability of the regional mobility system is crucial for the economic 
and social development of the Azores, due to its geography and remoteness. The small size of its internal market, the absence 
of economies of scale, and territorial discontinuity all place a particular emphasis on the need to enhance the efficiency of 
maritime and air connections. Despite some improvements in recent years, the intensification of the movement of people 
and goods – between 2015 and 2019, the flow of passengers increased by 29% and the flow of cargo increased by 19% by 
sea and air (INE, 2021) – puts pressure on the mobility system and highlights the need to strengthen and adapt it. 

Page 53 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
   
Cohesion policy programmes 

EU funds, specifically the regional programmes under cohesion policy, support these initiatives by encouraging an increase 
of the efficiency, sustainability and security of regional mobility. They also enhance external accessibility by improving 
access to the trans-European transport network (TEN-T). These investments contribute to achieving the objectives of the 
Portugal 2030 Strategy ‘An externally competitive and internally cohesive country’, focusing on territorial cohesion and 
reducing disparities between the levels of development of the various regions. 

Support provided under the 2014-2020 programmes 

The ERDF (Azores 2020) planned to invest EUR 38.2 million   on airport infrastructure and equipment, road networks, 
ports, and sustainable urban mobility. By December 2023, EUR 28.9 million had been invested. 

-  Airports: support to infrastructure and equipment in regional public aerodromes in order to guarantee the safety of 

their operability. 

-  Roads: works on sections of the regional road network, necessary for the improvement and safety of road traffic. 
-  Maritime  transport:  investments  in  modernisation  and  expansion  of  the  regional  commercial  port  network  are 

concentrated in a national thematic operational programme (not exclusively for Azores). 

-  Sustainable urban mobility: investments in clean public transport; construction of cycle lanes; multimodal integration 
for public transport; improving integrated ticketing solutions; information systems for users in real time;  management 
and information systems for innovative and experimental transport solutions. 

By  December  2023,  the  following  targets  had  been  reached:  82 km  of  regional  roads  improved,  and  506 000  maritime 
passengers reached in 2022 (compared with 463 000 in 2013). 

Support envisaged under the 2021-2027 programmes 

The ERDF (Azores 2030) includes measures for infrastructures in airports and ports (only for those not included in the 
trans-European  transport  network,  TEN-T)  and  for  sustainable  urban  mobility.  It  plans  to  invest  an  amount  of  around 
EUR 46 million. 

-  Airports  (non-TEN-T):  renewal  and  requalification  of  support  infrastructure;  purchase  of  air  traffic  equipment, 

protection, safety, and management systems; purchase of vehicles to support air mobility (EUR 8 million). 

-  Ports  (non-TEN-T):  actions  to  strengthen,  adapt,  renew  and/or  requalify  port  infrastructure;  port  management 

equipment and systems (EUR 27 million). 

-  Sustainable urban mobility: construction of cycle lanes (EUR 1 million); expansion of the public charging network 
for  electric  vehicles  (EUR 1.5 million);  renewal  of  public  buses,  shared mobility  solutions  (bike-sharing,  scooter-
sharing), awareness-raising actions and promotion of electric mobility (EUR 8.5 million). 

As an outermost region, the Azores also receive a specific additional allocation amounting to EUR 58 million in 2021-2027. 
With this, the ERDF supports the costs of public service obligations on transport, strengthening the links between rural and 
urban areas and between the islands. 

In  addition,  the  regional  maritime  and  air  transport  system  is  also  being  supported  through  the  national  sustainability 
programme under the Cohesion Fund (EUR 304 million). The investments in the Azores aim to increase the efficiency, 
sustainability and security of regional mobility, and to enhance the external accessibility of the islands. Maritime transport 
is the only mode of transport that guarantees supplies to the islands. The investments from the national programme will 
contribute to strengthening territorial cohesion, broadening the regional economic base, and increasing climate proofing. It 
covers actions to improve navigability conditions and maritime and port accessibility and operating conditions, including 
equipment. Air transport is the main entry point for the Azores; the objective of air transport investments from the national 
programme (EUR 59.5 million) is to expand and upgrade infrastructure and airport equipment to ensure basic operational 
and security conditions. 

Other relevant EU funds or initiatives 

The Recovery and Resilience Facility will fund the construction of two electric ships for the transport of passengers and 
vehicles in the Azores, promoting sustainable mobility and the decarbonisation of the maritime passenger and inter-island 
car transport sector. The EMOBICITY project, co-financed by the Interreg Europe programme (EUR 1 million), supported 
the promotion of electric mobility in the Azores. 

Page 54 of 75 

 
 
 
Reconstruction of Port of Lajes das Flores 

Total budget: EUR 198 million (estimated EU support: EUR 168.3 million) 

 End year: 2028 (estimated) 

This project is supported by the national sustainability programme  (Cohesion Fund) and has the following objectives. 

•  Ensuring  the  reconstruction  of  port  infrastructure  in  Port  of  Lajes  das  Flores  with  the  aim  of  increasing  its 
resilience to climate change. The passage of hurricane Lorenzo completely destroyed the port, leaving it without 
access to essential goods for the people. 

•  Ensuring the supply of goods to the population of the island of Flores and then to the population of Corvo Island. 
Both  islands  are  characterised  by  their  remoteness,  deep  insularity,  small land area,  difficult  topography and 
climate. 

• 

Increasing the efficiency, sustainability and security of regional mobility, in particular inter-island, and enhancing 
external accessibility. 

•  Ensuring  that  infrastructure  and  equipment  are  sufficient  to  meet  international  demand  needs  and  safety 

parameters. 

• 

Improving safety and shelter conditions in the port basin, to improve their functioning and to minimise the risks 
of accidents, and to increase the resilience of the port infrastructure to adverse weather events. 

This project was identified as of strategic importance pursuant to Article 22(3) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 in the 
European Commission Decision approving the national sustainability programme. The related notice was published on 
29.9.2023 and was open until 30.6.2024. JASPERS is also supporting the beneficiary . 

(iv)  Education and training, early school-leaving, and (youth) employment 

Education constitutes a major challenge for the Azores. In 2023, 58.4.% of the population  aged 25-64 had no more than 
lower secondary education attainment (40.6% Portugal, 20.2% EU). The rate of early leavers from education and training 
is  approximately  three  times  higher  than  the  average  rate  in  mainland  Portugal  (21.7%  in  the  Azores  vs  8%  mainland 
Portugal), The participation rate in education and training stood at 8.5% (13.4% Portugal, 12.7% EU). The shortage of 
qualified human resources has hindered the development of the labour market, as well as technological modernisation in 
strategic  sectors  for  growth  and  diversification  of  the  economy.  Differences  in  skilled  labour  forces  and  labour  market 
efficiency contribute to the regional competitiveness disparities in Portugal, with the Azores performing the lowest on the 
Regional Competitiveness Index, scoring only 77.1% of the EU average. 

Nonetheless, the employment rate of the Azores has been historically and structurally below Portugal’s. In 2023, the youth 
unemployment rate (15-29) was 14.2% (14.2% Portugal, 11.2% EU). The same applies to the NEET’s rate (young people 
neither in employment nor in education and training) whose rate is above Portugal (25.1% vs 14.6% in 2014; 14.5% vs 
8.9% in 2023).  

In the previous programming period (2014-2020), public policy measures aimed at supporting the integration of young 
people into the labour market. In particular, the Traineeship Programme L (for young graduates) and T (for youngsters with 
technological  courses)  showed  positive  results,  validated  by  the  good  employability  rates  obtained  6  months  after  the 
participation of young people in the respective measures. 

Cohesion policy programmes 

EU funds, specifically the regional programmes under cohesion policy, support these initiatives by improving the skill levels 
of the population and reducing (youth) unemployment. The ESF thematic programme Portugal 2020 (POISE) has a specific 
priority  dedicated  to  the  Youth  Employment  Initiative,  with  targets  linked  to  the  participation  of  young  NEETs  in 
employment and training measures. 

Page 55 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
Support provided under the 2014-2020 programmes 

The ERDF planned to invest EUR 103 million in primary, secondary and professional education infrastructure; the ESF 
planned EUR 134 million in competencies, education and lifelong learning and EUR 113 million to promote employment 
and  support  labour  mobility.  By  November  2023,  investments  in  education  and  training  reached  91.12%  of  the  above 
planned amounts and 86.17% of the established target. Investments in employment reached 91.12% of the above planned 
amounts and 93.50% of the established target. 

Total budget: EUR 106 million (EU support: EUR 90 million)   Years of implementation: 2014 to 2023 

Professional courses 

Professional  courses  constitute  dual  certification  secondary  education  pathways,  which  develop  social,  scientific  and 
professional skills necessary for the exercise of a professional activity. These courses aim to provide learners with diverse, 
more practical learning, with a view to their integration into the labour market, and they can also enable further education. 

Traineeships 

Total budget: EUR 84 million (EU support: EUR 72 million) 

 Years of implementation: 2022 to 2029 

The “Estagiar L and T” programme has a high take-up by young people and businesses. It allows young people who have 
recently graduated from higher education institutions to follow a traineeship for young graduates (‘licenciados’ - Estagiar 
L).Young  people  who  have  recently  completed  level  4  or  5  vocational  courses  under  the  National  Qualifications 
Framework  can  apply  for  the  Estagiar  T  programme.  This  helps  them  to  enter  the  labour  market  and  access  work 
experience in line with their qualifications. It facilitates the recruitment and integration of staff in enterprises through 
internships, promoting the transition of young people from school to working life, and the establishment of young people 
in smaller demographic islands. 

Total budget: EUR 8 million (EU support: EUR 7 million)  

 Years of implementation: 2014 to 2018 

Basic skills acquisition courses 

Basic skills acquisition courses (ABC courses) aim to address the low level of qualification of the adult population in the 
Azores through the acquisition of basic qualifications and certifications. They contribute to reducing the skills gap of the 
active population and to raising the skills levels of the adult population. ABC courses link a training pathway to a process 
of recognition, validation and certification of competencies. This is based on a 300-hour training pathway in the key 
competence areas required for the basic certification level: Portuguese, mathematics, civic education and informatics. For 
each of the levels and areas of basic competencies, manuals have been developed, adapted to the training of adults. These 
courses are still being carried out in the Azores today. 

Support envisaged under the 2021-2027 programmes 

The ESF+ regional programme plans to invest EUR 175 million in education and training measures and EUR 146 million 
in employment measures (of which EUR 72 million for youth employment). The ERDF plans to invest EUR 29 million in 
the construction of a new energy-efficient education infrastructure or its renovation in line with energy efficiency criteria 
of education buildings (early childhood, primary, secondary, university and professional education). 

Other relevant EU funds or initiatives 

The  Recovery  and  Resilience  Facility  also  supports  access  and  use  of  digital  technologies  in  education  through  digital 
equipment, digital manuals, improved connectivity of schools and specific training. 

(v)  Social protection 

The Azores face significant challenges related to social protection. In the national context, the Azores have the highest risk 
of poverty or social exclusion (33.3% vs. 20% national average in 2020). There is a high number of beneficiaries from 
minimum income schemes, with 7.0% of the working-age population having received support in 2022, compared to the 
national average of 2.9%. These factors illustrate the social protection issues in the region, worsening economic disparities 
and hindering overall development.  

This highlights the need to invest in measures to support social inclusion as a means of alleviating imbalances in wealth 
distribution. The focus is on groups with increased weaknesses, such as single parents, people with addiction issues, people 

Page 56 of 75 

 
 
 
 
                                                                                                    
with disabilities and older people. Social exclusion is also very much linked to labour market exclusion, the limitation of 
access to basic social services, in particular health and social support, and the weakening of social participation dynamics. 

Cohesion policy programmes 

EU  funds,  specifically  the  regional  programmes  under  cohesion  policy,  support  these  initiatives  by  encouraging  the 
promotion of active inclusion and equal access to services and by improving employability of disadvantaged groups. 

Support provided under the 2014-2020 programmes 

The programme for the Azores planned to invest EUR 96 million to promote inclusion and to address poverty. By November 
2023, support to active inclusion had reached 91.12% of planned amounts and 95% of the established target. 

Support envisaged under the 2021-2027 programmes 

The 2021-2027 programme for the Azores plans to invest EUR 115 million for active inclusion measures, which includes 
promoting equal opportunities, non-discrimination and active participation, improving employability, and enhancing equal 
and timely access to quality, sustainable and affordable services. 

Integration of vulnerable groups into the labour market 

Total budget: EUR 106 million (EU support: EUR 90 million)   Years of implementation: 2022 to 2029 

Socio-occupational  integration  programmes  focus  on  the  most  vulnerable  unemployed,  such  as  the  long-term 
unemployed, groups with social problems and workers over the age of 45. The aim is to improve their employability by 
promoting the creation of working habits and better knowledge of the world of work. These measures can bring closer 
potential employers and the unemployed  so to provide them with work experience to facilitate re-entering the labour 
market. 

Other relevant EU funds or initiatives 

The Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived supported families and individuals in need through food purchase and 
distribution, fostering equality and inclusion. The Recovery and Resilience Facility supports social housing, long term care, 
adult  learning  and  skills,  as  well  as  various  social  inclusion measures.  It  financed,  for  instance,  ‘study  support  points’, 
enhancing the improvement of educational outcomes of pupils in the first and second cycles who receive school support. 

Page 57 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
3.8. Madeira 

Page 58 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
health 

253 259 

950  km 

802 km2 

Unemployment 

MADEIRA 

At a glance 

•  Gross domestic product/capita (purchasing power standard) stands at 79% of 

the EU average. 

•  Unemployment rate (at 5.9% in 2023) is below the Portuguese and EU 

averages. 

•  Employment rate (at 69.7% in 2023) is only slightly below the EU average. 
•  Tertiary education attainment (at 23.7% in 2023) is below the Portuguese 

• 

average. 
Percentage of households with broadband access to the internet (at 87% in 
2021) is higher in Madeira than in Portugal. 
•  Exclusive maritime economic zone: 442 248 km2. 

INDICATORS 

GDP 
Gross domestic product/capita (purchasing power standard - % of EU-27) 
GDP/capita at current market prices (EUR) 
Population 
Median age 2023 
Median age projections in 2100 

Total population 2023 

Projections total population in 2100 

Total population projections 2100 as % of total population 2023 

Unemployment by age group 

Unemployment rate 15-74 (%) 

Employment rate 15-64 (%) 

Youth unemployment rate 15-24 (%) 

Research 

Human resources in science & technology (% of active population) 

QUALITY OF LIFE INDICATORS 

Access to education 

Early leavers from education and training 18-24 (%) 

Young people neither in employment nor in education and training 15-24, NEET (%) 
Tertiary education attainment 25-64 (%)  
Less than primary/lower secondary education attainment 25-64 (%)  
Access to ICT  
Individuals who used the internet at least once a week (%)  
Households with broadband access to the internet (%)  
Access to health 

Number of medical doctors per 100 000 inhabitants 

Number of hospital beds per 100 000 inhabitants 

GDP in PPS 

Madeira 

Portugal 

EU 

2022 
79 
23 700 
2023 
46.7 

2022 
79 
23 500 
2023 
47.0 

2022 
100 
35 400 
2023 
43.9 (2020) 

52.8 (+6.1 y) 

49.5 (+2.5 y) 

48.8 (+4.9 y) 

253 259 
151 245 
60% 
2023 
5.9 
69.7  
-  
2023 
25.9 

2023 
- 
- 
23.7 
50.4 
2022 
85 
87 (2021) 
2021 
501 
822 

10.5 million 
7.9 million 
75% 
2023 
6.5 
72.5 
20.3 
2023 
31.1 

2023 
8.0 
7.9 
29.9 
40.6 
2022 
83 
84 (2021) 
2021 
562 
351 

448.8 million 
416 million 
93% 
2023 
6.1 
70.4 
14.5 
2023 
35.9 

2023 
9.5 
9.2 
35.1 
20.2 
2022 
- 
90 (2021) 
2021  
- 
532 (2019) 

Page 59 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cohesion policy funds in Madeira 

ERDF 2014-2020 

ESF 2014-2020 

ERDF mainstream: EUR 213.4 million 
ERDF  Specific  additional  outermost  region  (OR)  allocation: 
EUR 58.2 million 

ESF mainstream: EUR 130 million 

TOTAL: EUR 130 million 

TOTAL ERDF : EUR 271.6 million 

Cohesion  Fund  2014-2020:  EUR 284.8 million,  of  which 
EUR 153.7 million for floods and landslides; EUR 68 million for 
access  to  water  and  treatment;  EUR  56.7  million  for  renewable 
energy; and EUR 6.3 million waste 

TOTAL Cohesion policy funds 2014-2020: EUR 686.4 million 

ERDF REACT-EU: EUR 58.2 million 

ESF REACT-EU: EUR 27.3 million 

TOTAL REACT-EU*: EUR 85.5 million  (*) NextGenerationEU for ERDF, CF and ESF (2014-2020)  

ERDF 2021-2027 

ESF+ 2021-2027 

ERDF mainstream: EUR 380.5 million 
ERDF specific additional OR allocation: EUR 60.6 million 

ESF+ mainstream: EUR 299 million 
ESF+ specific additional OR allocation: EUR 20 million 

TOTAL ERDF: EUR 441.1 million 

TOTAL: EUR 319 million 

Cohesion  Fund  2021-2027:  EUR 91.8 million  (for  floods  and 
landslides) 
TOTAL Cohesion policy funds 2021-2027: EUR 851.9 million 

TOTAL 2014-2027 (Cohesion policy funds and REACT-EU): EUR 1 623.8 million 

Key areas 

Madeira is facing major challenges in: (i) transport and urban mobility; (ii) flood and landslides; (iii) access to water 
and water treatment; (iv) education and training and (youth) employment; (v) social inclusion. It is benefiting from 
substantial EU support to address these areas. In 2014-2027 (both programming periods), the total ERDF, Cohesion Fund 
and ESF(+) support to these key priorities is EUR 906 million.  

(i)  Transport and urban mobility 

Madeira faces several challenges in relation to transport and urban mobility, including the need for larger port infrastructure, 
maritime transport and  development  of  sustainable public  transport.  The  integrated  strategic transport plan for Madeira 
2021-2027 (PIETRAM) aims to address those challenges. Madeira has two main ports, Caniçal and Porto Santo, that need 
to  be  upgraded  in  the  medium-term.  Works  are  required  for  both  infrastructure  and  equipment  for  more  efficient  port 
operations. The ports are not equipped for the supply of renewable and low-carbon fuel. As regards maritime passenger 
transport, there is one regular connection between Funchal and Porto Santo by a fossil-powered ferry that is 40 years old. 
Public transport currently has an occupancy rate of only 27%, while the collective public transport system has the potential 
to  service  almost  all  the  population.  The  interurban  public  transport  bus  fleet  has  an  average  age  per  bus  of  23  years. 
Investments  are  needed  to  enhance  it  for  users  and  to  change  to  a  low-carbon  economy,  in  particular  for  intelligent 
management systems, ticketing, bus corridors, bus terminals and fleet, intermodality, and traffic light management. 

Cohesion policy programmes 

EU funds, specifically the regional programmes under cohesion policy, support these initiatives by investing in a low-carbon 
economy, sustainable (urban) transport and renewed port infrastructure. 

Support provided under the 2014-2020 programmes 

The ERDF invested EUR 41 million for the construction of 2.5 km of the Câmara de Lobos/Estreito de Câmara de Lobos 
highway. This is a strategic connection for the area, linking it to Funchal, to the main poles of the port system and to the 
airport, resulting in time savings and an increase in safety and in significance for economic operators in the region. The 
programme  also  invested  EUR 7 million  in  clean  urban  transport  infrastructure,  bicycle  lanes  and  intelligent  transport 

Page 60 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
systems. By December 2023, investments resulted in a 7-minute reduction in transport time in the area covered. 65 new 
buses now replace old, high polluting buses. 

Support envisaged under the 2021-2027 programmes 

The ERDF plans to invest EUR 134.8 million in total for transport and urban mobility, and port and ferry investments. By 
2027 Madeira aims to achieve the following. 

-  Acquisition/construction of a ferry powered by non-fossil energies, to ensure the regular maritime connection of 
passengers and vehicles between the island of Madeira and the island of Porto Santo, as part of a strategy to promote 
decarbonisation.  This  will  improve  inter-island  accessibility  and  minimise  the  effect  of  double  insularity.  It  is 
expected to achieve a reduction of 7 000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent/year and an increase of 60 000 users/year (EU 
support: EUR 40 million). 

- 

- 

Improvement of the operational conditions of the Ports of Caniçal and Porto Santo, which will ensure appropriate 
operational conditions for larger ships (and with greater logistical and shore support complexity) for the supply of 
the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo. These ports will be equipped with infrastructure to supply new, non-fossil 
energy sources, in line with the regional strategy to decarbonise maritime transport. It is estimated that this will 
contribute to a 150 000 tonnes increase in transporting goods by sea (EU support: EUR 20 million). 

Investments are planned in sustainable urban mobility, mainly through the increase in environmentally sustainable 
public transport rolling stock and the digitalisation of public transport, aiming to reach around 3 million users/year 
(EU support: EUR 20.5 million). 

Musa and Musa RL – Sustainable, Accessible (and Resilient) Urban Mobility 

Total budget: EUR 14.4 million (EU support: EUR 7.2 million)  

Years of implementation: 2019-2023 

The two Musa projects (Programa Madeira 14-20) focused on the partial renewal of the public passenger transport fleet 
through the acquisition of 5 electric minibuses and 60 EURO VI buses, in line with Madeira’s sustainable urban 
mobility strategy, and with PIETRAM 2014-2020. The projects aimed to promote the reduction of greenhouse gas 
emissions and noise in urban areas. This fleet renewal is expected to result in an annual reduction of 47.7% in diesel 
consumption, corresponding to a reduction of 466 tonnes of oil equivalent and 1 277 tonnes of CO2 equivalent/year. A 
renewed and comfortable fleet can lead to an increased use of public transport. Greater accessibility to public transport 
is ensured through the possibility of transporting wheelchairs and a low floor at the entrance, ensuring sufficient 
accessibility for all users, especially people with reduced mobility and older people. 

Other relevant EU funds or initiatives 

The  recovery  and  resilience  plan  supported the  decarbonisation  of land transport  in  Madeira  by  contributing  EUR 11.5 
million to the purchase of clean buses and providing the necessary charging/refuelling infrastructure. 

(ii)  Flood and landslides 

Flood and landslides are a major issue for Madeira.  The territory of the island is characterised by a unique terrain, with 
rather steep slopes that aggravate a complex hydrological system under severe pressure, particularly in the event of heavy 
rainfall.  The  current  soil  sealing  and  the  heavy  urban  pressure  on  the  mouth  of  the  various  streams  of  the  regional 
hydrological system increase the risk of disasters associated with floods and landslides, with severe consequences for people 
and infrastructure. About 21% of the island is at risk of extreme erosion and 45% at extreme risk of water erosion. Thus, 
there  is  a  need  to  enhance  regional  resilience  to  risks  associated  with  climate  change  and  to  foster  development  and 
knowledge transfer. Current efforts are focused on the following: 

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- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

coastal protection - targeted actions to protect the coastline and improve the resilience of coastal areas; 

feasibility studies on the adaptation of existing infrastructure, coastal spatial planning measures, and actions on risk 
management and risk prevention; 

correction works in the river basins most affected by erosion and land detachment; 

renovation and requalification of infrastructures to mitigate the risk of erosion; and 

protection and adaptation of public infrastructure in coastal areas and coastal management for rising sea levels. 

Madeira  is  addressing  these  challenges  through  several  regional  plans,  including  the  risk  management  plan  for  floods 
(Planos de Gestão de Riscos e inundações na Madeira, PGRI-RAM 2022-2027) and the climate adaptation strategy for 
Madeira (Estratégia Clima-Madeira, Estratégia de Adaptação às Alterações climáticas da RAM). 

Cohesion policy programmes 

EU funds, specifically the regional programmes under cohesion policy, support these initiatives and aim at reducing the 
risks of landslides and floods. This requires integrated hydrological system  actions that take into account the impact of 
extreme weather events, to prevent the catastrophic consequences of past events (e.g. the 2010 flood). 

Support provided under the 2014-2020 programmes 

The 2014-2020 programme SEUR (Sustentabilidade e Eficiência no Uso de Recursos) under the Cohesion Fund invested 
EUR 144 million to reduce the risks associated with alluvions, taking into account their destructive impacts in terms of 
landslides and floods. By December 2023, the following targets had been reached: 26.19 hectares of land where the risk 
associated with mass movements on slopes has been mitigated or eliminated; 190 100 people benefited from flood 
protection measures; and 210.88 hectares of land were covered by actions where the flood risk was reduced or eliminated. 

Rehabilitation and regularisation of the Ribeira de Santa Luzia and the rehabilitation of bridges 

Total budget: EUR 11.7 million (EU support: EUR 11.1 million)  

 Years of implementation: 2015-2022 

The  operation  aimed  to  minimise  the  effects  associated  with  torrential  run-off,  which  regularly  affects  Madeira,  in 
particular the southern slope of the island. The projects focused on increasing the safety of the population and protecting 
the heritage, in the surroundings of the section of Ribeira de Santa Luzia and the central area of Funchal where action 
was taken. This area of downtown Funchal was severely affected by the last flood in 2010. As part of the operation, the 
rehabilitation of 13 bridges over the river was also carried out, since they did not have hydraulic drainage capacity and 
were damaged in the flood of 2010. The operation is part of the risk minimisation measures supported by the Flood Risk 
Assessment Study on Madeira Island (EARAIM) and the Flood Risk Management Plan of the Autonomous Region of 
Madeira (PGRI-RAM). 

Support envisaged under the 2021-2027 programmes 

The 2021-2027 national thematic Cohesion Fund programme PACS (Programa para a Acção climática e Sustentabilidade) 
plans  to  invest  EUR 91.8 million  to  mitigate  the  risks  of  floods  and  landslides,  in  order  to  protect  people,  nature  and 
property.  The  implementation  is  planned  to  be  completed  in  2027.  The  actions  will  focus  on  watercourses  and  the 
consolidation of leaks and slopes in areas that are susceptible to greater risks. Some 70 km of coastal lines or river margins 
will be protected and strengthened. 

(iii)  Access to water and water treatment 

Madeira faces significant issues related to wastewater services and water losses. In 2020, only 67.9% of the population was 
served by drainage and only 66.9% had wastewater treatment. Water supply systems are undersized and need to be upgraded. 
Insufficient  investment  in  wastewater/water  supply  affects  the  operability  of  essential  infrastructure  and  carries 
environmental risks. Current efforts are focused on: 

-  maintenance and renewal of water networks; 

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- 

- 
- 

reuse of wastewater (other than for human consumption and agricultural irrigation), reducing groundwater 
abstraction needs; 
reduction of water losses by rehabilitating distribution networks, to increase water efficiency; 
expansion of wastewater sewerage networks by 26 km, to avoid the use of individual sewerage solutions (septic 
tanks), with a risk of soil contamination and groundwater bodies; 

-  monitoring and increasing knowledge of the vulnerabilities of this sector due to climate change;  
- 

improvement/renewal of wastewater treatment systems, protecting the environment, the marine environment and 
public health. 

To  address these  challenges,  Madeira relies  on  several  plans, including the  national  strategic  plan for the water  supply, 
wastewater, and stormwater management sector (PENSAARP 2030) and the river basin management plan (Plano de Gestão 
de Recursos Hídricos da Madeira, PGRH-Madeira 2022-2027). 

Cohesion policy programmes 

EU funds, specifically the regional programmes under cohesion policy, support the efforts to reduce water loss and improve 
wastewater  treatment.  The  2014-2020  and  2021-2027  programmes  set  out  targets  for  2023  and  2029,  respectively. 
Investments are needed in new or upgraded infrastructure, to ensure the quality of the service provided to the population 
and the sustainability of systems. This can reduce losses in water distribution and supply systems and improve wastewater 
sanitation systems. 

Support provided under the 2014-2020 programmes 

In 2014-2020, the Cohesion Fund programme SEUR invested EUR 58 million in access to water/water supply and water 
treatment. By December 2023, 14 745 people had benefited from water supply improvements. 

Câmara de Lobos Wastewater Treatment Plant 

Total budget: EUR 6.5 million (EU support: EUR 5.6 million)   Years of implementation: 2014-2018 

This  operation  restructured  the  wastewater  treatment  system  at  primary  treatment  level  in  Câmara  de  Lobos,  in 
compliance  with  the  EU  and  national  legislation  in  force.  The  technical  solution  involved  the  construction  of  a  new 
wastewater treatment plant, equipped with primary treatment, next to the current wastewater treatment plant. Maritime 
protection  has  been  considered,  as  the  treated  wastewater  will  be  discharged  400  metres  from  the  coast,  through  a 
submarine exhaust. The improved wastewater sanitation system has benefited a population of 17 586 inhabitants. 

Support envisaged under the 2021-2027 programmes 

The ERDF plans to invest EUR 45 million in water supply, water management and wastewater treatment. Investments will 
be made to support the reduction of water losses for human consumption in the supply networks, the construction of new 
wastewater  drainage  networks  and  related  wastewater  treatment  systems,  and  the  implementation  of  wastewater  reuse 
projects.  The  actions  aim  to  reduce  the  need  for  water  abstraction  and  to  improve  wastewater  collection  and  treatment 
systems, promoting environmental sustainability and water resources. The  results would: benefit 72 000 people  through 
improved facilities of the public water supply network; 9 000 people willbe covered by the wastewater collection network; 
water losses in the distribution systems will be reduced by at least 2 million m3. 

Other relevant EU funds or initiatives  

The Recovery and Resilience Plan supports the resilience and efficiency of the water supply infrastructure. 

(iv)  Education and training and (youth) employment 

Due  to  Madeira’s  specific  constraints  as  an  outermost  region,  the  ageing  of  its  population,  labour  and  skills  shortages, 
financial constraints and recent natural disasters, it faces more labour market challenges than mainland Portugal. The region 
experienced an economic recovery between 2013 and 2019 (from the effect of the 2008 crisis), but the 2020 COVID-19 

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crisis had an enormous impact in the regional labour market. Its share of unemployment has been historically and structurally 
above that of Portugal as a whole (except for 2023 - 5.9% vs 6.5% Portugal) and the disparity is more acute when comparing 
youth unemployment (15-29-year-olds, 17.3% vs 13.8% for Portugal in 2022). Madeira will invest in support for young 
people, professional traineeships, and in training and employment measures for labour market transitions. 

Concerning education, in 2023  50.4% of Madeira’s population had no more than lower secondary education attainment 
(40.6% Portugal, 20.2% EU). Moreover, the participation rate in education and training stood at 10.3%, below the national 
average (13.4%) and the EU average (12.7%). To address the skills deficit, Madeira plans to keep investing in training and 
education measures. Its specific additional allocation under the ESF+ will be dedicated to this priority and various types of 
support will be provided. 

Cohesion policy programmes 

EU  funds,  in  particular  the  cohesion  policy’s  regional  programmes,  support  these  initiatives,  aiming  at  reducing 
unemployment (in particular youth and long-term unemployment) and improving the skills levels of the population. 

Support provided under the 2014-2020 programmes 

The ESF planned to invest EUR 36 million to promote employment and support labour mobility, and EUR 68 million to 
invest in competencies, education and lifelong learning. The ESF thematic national programme Portugal 2020 programme 
(POISE) has a specific priority dedicated to the Youth Employment Initiative. 

By November 2023, support to employment reached 86% of the planned amounts and 93% of the established targets. For 
education and training, support reached 85% of the planned amounts and 98% of the established targets. 

Support envisaged under the 2021-2027 programmes 

The ESF+ plans to invest EUR 100 million for employment measures (of which EUR 40 million for youth employment) 
and EUR 85 million for education and training measures. 

Professional traineeships 

Total budget: EUR 1 097 139 (EU support: EUR 932 568) 

 Years of implementation: 2022-2023 

The aim is to strengthen young people’s technical and personal skills, enabling them to gain greater and faster integration 
into the labour market through their first professional experience. The project provides qualified young people with a 
professional internship in a real work context; promotes the professional integration of unemployed young people looking 
for a new job; and contributes to greater coordination between leaving the education and training system and entering the 
world of work. 

Learning courses 

Total budget: EUR 567 006 (EU support: EUR 481 955) Years of implementation: 2023-2025 

The  learning  courses  developed  by  the  Instituto  para  a  Qualificação,  IP-RAM,  are  a  dual  certification  offer  of  the 
Qualifications National System at secondary and post-secondary level.. The following courses are offered: Mechatronics 
Technician,  Accounting  Technician,  Commercial  Technician,  Hairdresser,  Automobile  Mechatronics  Technician  and 
Electrical Installation Technician. 

Other relevant EU funds or initiatives 

Through the Erasmus+ programme, the EU co-financed the Blue Economy Entrepreneurship project. This project will create 
training opportunities for low-skilled adults, who face economic difficulties and live on EU islands. The specific actions in 
Madeira  focus  on  coastal blue  economy  tourism  and  targets  unemployed  persons  aged  18-35  having fewer  educational 
opportunities.  

The  Recovery  and  Resilience  Plan  supports  the  digitalisation  of  education  through  digital  equipment,  digital  manuals, 
improved connectivity of the schools and specific training. 

(v)  Social inclusion 

Most  recent  available  data  demonstrates  that  Madeira  has  more  significant  social  inclusion  challenges  than  mainland 
Portugal. In 2022, the percentage of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion stood at 30.2% (20.1% for Portugal), while 
the  ‘at-risk-of-poverty  rate’  stood  at  25.9%  (16.4%  for  Portugal).  Similarly  to  the  pattern  of  employment,  the  living 
conditions  of  the  population  were  improving  until  2019,  but  the  COVID-19  crisis  intensified  the  social  and  economic 
problems of the region. Regional authorities point to children, women, single-parent families, people with disabilities and 

Page 64 of 75 

 
 
 
 
older people being the groups most vulnerable to poverty and social exclusion. 

Addressing poverty and social exclusion, in particular for disadvantaged groups, is among Madeira’s priorities. Investments 
will continue in active inclusion measures. Specific attention will be paid to upskilling the most disadvantaged, promoting 
inclusive practices and increasing the quality of social responses. 

Cohesion policy programmes 

EU  funds,  specifically  the  regional  programmes  under  cohesion  policy,  support  these  initiatives  by  promoting  active 
inclusion, equal access to services and improving employability of disadvantaged groups. 

Support provided under the 2014-2020 programmes 

The ESF planned to invest EUR 23 million to promote inclusion and to address poverty. By November 2023, support to 
active inclusion reached 87% of the planned amounts and 105% of the established target. 

Social and health intervention services and networks 

Total budget: EUR 209 581 (EU support: EUR 178 143) Years of implementation: 2021-2023 

This service  aims to improve the quality of life of older people or the dependent population by upgrading social responses 
at home, and broadening and diversifying the type of support geared towards the autonomy of older or dependent people. 
This includes actions to complement family and community intervention (e.g. creation and upgrading of technical aid 
banks, upgrading of home support services, and integration of the provision of new services at home). 

Support envisaged under the 2021-2027 programmes 

The ESF+ plans to invest EUR 81 million for active inclusion measures, which includes promoting equal opportunities, 
non-discrimination and active participation, improving employability and enhancing equal and timely access to quality, 
sustainable and affordable services. It pays special attention  to vulnerable persons and also aims to have in 2029 at least 
12% of participants in active inclusion measures in employment 6 months after leaving those measures. 

Other relevant EU funds or initiatives 

The  Fund  for  European  Aid  for  the  Most  Deprived  (FEAD)  provided  support  for  the  most  economic  and  socially 
disadvantaged, in the form of acquisition of goods and food products and some accompanying measures.  

The Recovery and Resilience Facility finances investments in residential and non-residential structures for older people and 
support structures for homeless people, strengthening and consolidating the social support network (EUR 95 million). 

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3.9. The Canary Islands 

Page 66 of 75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
THE CANARY ISLANDS 

At a glance   

•  Gross domestic product/capita (purchasing power standard) stands at 68% 

of the EU average. 

•  Unemployment (at 16.1% in 2023) and youth unemployment (at 32.8% in 
2023) rates are well above the Spanish and EU averages, but both dropped 
considerably between 2020 and 2023. 

•  Rate of young people neither in employment nor in education and training 
(NEET), at 11.1% in 2023, is above the Spanish and EU averages, but 
dropped over the last years. 
Percentage of households with broadband access to the internet (at 97% in 
2021) is higher in the Canary Islands than in Spain. 

• 

•  Exclusive maritime economic zone: 356 000 km2. 

NEET 

2 213 016 

1 100 km 

7 447 km2 

Youth 
unemployment 

INDICATORS 

GDP 
Gross domestic product/capita (purchasing power standard - % of EU-27) 
GDP/capita at current market prices (EUR) 
Population 
Median age 2023 
Median age projections in 2100 
Total population 2023 
Projections total population in 2100 
Total population projections 2100 as % of total population 2023 
Unemployment by age group 
Unemployment rate 15-74 (%) 
Employment rate 15-64 (%) 
Youth unemployment rate 15-24 (%) 
Research 
Human resources in science & technology (% of active population) 
QUALITY OF LIFE INDICATORS 
Access to education 
Early leavers from education and training 18-24 (%) 
Young people neither in employment nor in education and training 15-24, NEET (%) 
Tertiary education attainment 25-64 (%)  
Less than primary/lower secondary education attainment 25-64 (%)  
Access to ICT  
Individuals who used the internet at least once a week (%)  
Households with broadband access to the internet (%)  
Access to health 
Number of medical doctors per 100 000 inhabitants 
Number of hospital beds per 100 000 inhabitants 

The Canary 
Islands 
2022 
68 
22 400 
2023 
45.0 
54.4 (+9.4 y) 
2 213 016 
2 508 671 
113% 
2023 
16.1 
60.8  
32.8  
2023 
20.1 

2023 
14.7 
11.1 
34.3 
38.6 
2022 
92 
97 (2021) 
2021 
502 
282 

Spain 

EU 

2022 
86 
28 300 
2023 
45.3 
50.2 (+4.9 y) 
48.1 million 
45.7 million 
95% 
2023 
12.2 
65.3 
28.7 
2023 
27.7 

2023 
13.7 
9.9 
41.4 
35.8 
2022 
93 
96 (2021) 
2021 
449 
296 

2022 
100 
35 400 
2023 
43.9 (2020) 
48.8 (+4.9 y) 
448.8 million 
416 million 
93% 
2023 
6.1 
70.4 
14.5 
2023 
35.9 

2023 
9.5 
9.2 
35.1 
20.2 
2022 
- 
90 (2021) 
2021  
- 
532 (2019) 

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Cohesion policy funds in the Canary Islands 

ERDF 2014-2020 
ERDF mainstream: EUR 553 million 
ERDF specific additional outermost region (OR) allocation: 
EUR 484 million 
ERDF Pluri: EUR 616 million 

Total: EUR 1 653 million 
TOTAL Cohesion policy funds 2014-2020: EUR 1 921 million 

ESF 2014-2020 
ESF mainstream: EUR 173 million 
YEI: EUR 95 million 
TOTAL: EUR 268 million 

REACT-EU ERDF: EUR 401.6 million  

REACT-EU ESF: EUR 228.2 million 

TOTAL REACT-EU*: EUR 629.8 million (*)NextGenerationEU for ERDF and ESF (2014-2020) 
ERDF 2021-2027 

ERDF mainstream: EUR 589.4 million 
ERDF specific additional OR allocation: EUR 507.7 million 
ERDF Pluri: EUR 1 132.2 million 

Total: EUR 2 229.3 million 
TOTAL Cohesion policy funds 2021-2027: EUR 2 675.3 million 

ESF+ 2021-2027 
ESF+ mainstream: EUR 281 million 
ESF+ specific additional OR allocation: EUR 165 million 

TOTAL: EUR 446 million  

TOTAL 2014-2027 (Cohesion policy funds + REACT-EU): EUR 5 226.1 million 

Key areas 

The Canary Islands are facing major challenges in: (i)  support to SMEs; (ii) healthcare infrastructure; (iii) access to 
water and water treatment; (iv) renewables; (v) education and training and early school-leaving; (vi) social inclusion 
and employment. The Canary Islands are benefiting from substantial EU support to address these areas. In 2014-2027 (both 
programming periods), the total ERDF and ESF(+) support to these key priorities is EUR 1 537 million. 

(i) 

Support to SMEs 

Improving the support to SMEs is a key issue for the Canary Islands. According to the Regional Competitiveness Index, the 
Canary  Islands  have  improved  all  competitive  axes  since  2016,  with  the  exception  of  the  labour  market  and  business 
efficiency. The Canary Islands still experience a slow growth recovery compared with the national average. The dependence 
of the Canary Islands on the tourism sector  - one of the most affected by the  COVID-19 crisis - makes it necessary for 
companies to take actions aimed at the promotion, digitalisation and sustainability of the sector, to transform their tourism 
model and to guarantee its competitiveness. The entrepreneurial activity rate showed a decreasing trend in the Canary Islands 
in  recent  years,  distancing  itself  from  Spain.  The  population  perceives  fewer  opportunities  for  entrepreneurship  and 
recognition of skills. 

Cohesion policy programmes 

EU  funds,  specifically  the  regional  programmes  under  cohesion  policy,  support  initiatives  for  SMEs,  promoting 
entrepreneurship,  the  growth  of  start-ups,  scale-ups  and  incubators,  and  advanced  business  services  and  new  business 
models for SMEs. They try to boost exports through internationalisation programmes. 

Support provided under the 2014-2020 programmes 

The ERDF planned to invest EUR 126 million and the targets have been reached with over 1 300 SMEs supported through 
grants, financial instruments or other kinds of support. 

Support envisaged under the 2021-2027 programmes 

The  ERDF  plans  to  invest  EUR 201 million  in  support  to  SMEs.  The  ‘Aid  for  the  creation  and  improvement  of  the 
competitiveness of companies’ action aims to encourage productive investment. It plans to do so through the creation of 
economic activity, with particular importance given to the promotion of a Canary Islands Tourism Promotion Programme, 
with the aim of increasing the competitiveness of the sector. The ‘Programme for the internationalisation of companies and 
attracting investment to the Canary Islands’ aims to attract foreign investment in strategic sectors such as information and 
communication technologies, renewable and sustainable energies, and advanced services for sectors critical for the region’s 
significant economic development. Support and accompanying programmes for companies or entrepreneurs will offer a 

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comprehensive  advisory  and  training  service  to  new  entrepreneurs.  The  expectation  is  that  over  26 000  SMEs  will  be 
supported. 

Support to SMEs in 2021-2027 – operation of strategic importance 

Total budget: EUR 4.5 million (EU support: EUR 3.8] million)  

 Year of implementation: 2023 

Canarias Aporta is an advisory and financing programme for Canarian companies that want to promote their products and/or 
services abroad (internationally or the Spanish territory), open markets, diversify  their customers, participate in tenders, 
improve their global competitiveness, and boost promotion abroad using digitalisation and e-commerce. The main objective 
is to promote and attract strategic investments in the Canary Islands. The programme launched a call for proposals and aims 
to accompany Canarian companies during their processes of opening up to new markets, in order to diversify the regional 
economy,  strengthen  the  Canarian  business  fabric  and  promote  job  creation.  It  collaborates  with  the  Enterprise  Europe 
Network (EEN) Canary Islands. 

Other relevant EU funds or initiatives 

The  Recovery  and  Resilience  Facility  supports  the  Canary  Islands  in  the  area  of  sustainable  tourism  with  specific 
investments of up to EUR 220 million. The measures aim to improve their competitiveness and capacity in the international 
markets, and will benefit at least 400 economic and social actors by June 2025. 

The  EU  programme  for  the  Competitiveness  of  enterprises  and  SMEs  (COSME)  financed  advisory  services  to  Canary 
Islands  companies  on  EU  regulations  and  financing,  boosting  their  potential  and  improving  their  internationalisation 
strategies.  

Under the Digital Europe Programme, CIDIHUB, was set up as a European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH)  in 2023. It 
delivers digitalisation services to SMEs in the Canary Islands. The EDIH works in collaboration with a network of about 
200 EDIHs across the EU. 

The European Maritime and Fisheries Fund 2014-2020 provided EUR 60 million of compensation for the additional costs 
for fishers in the Canary Islands. Over 91% of the local fishers are small scale and coastal fishers. 

(ii)  Healthcare infrastructure 

The Canary Islands have increased spending on health, but they are still below the national average in terms of material and 
human resources, and improving access to health remains a challenge. The ratio of health centres per 100 000 inhabitants is 
1.4 (national average 3.3) and the ratio of doctors in specialised care in hospitals is 1.6 (national average 1.8). The Canary 
Islands, due to their characteristics, have a specific additional allocation to compensate for the additional costs related to 
distance, market size or fragmentation, and difficult topography, which is partly invested in health. 

Cohesion policy programmes 

EU  funds,  specifically  the  regional  programmes  under  cohesion  policy,  support  initiatives  in  the  field  of  health  that 
strengthen primary and integrated care, including e-health, with a view to reducing health inequalities. 

Support provided under the 2014-2020 programmes 

The ERDF planned to invest EUR 400 million under REACT-EU. By December 2023, five hospitals and five primary care 
centres had been improved, with more than 2 million people benefiting from these actions. 

Support to health in 2014-2020 – Emblematic project 

Total budget: EUR 3.6 million (EU support: EUR 2.9 million)   

 Year of implementation: 2017 

The programme supported the supply of three magnetic resonance imaging scans for the health services management of the 
health areas of Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and La Palma. This action enables health assistance beyond the main islands of 
Tenerife and Gran Canaria. 

Support envisaged under the 2021-2027 programmes 

The ERDF plans to invest EUR 206 million, increasing the capacity of and modernising 17 healthcare facilities, with more 
than 243 000 people a year expected to use those facilities. 

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Support to health in 2021-2027 – Operation of strategic importance 

Total budget: EUR 40 million (EU support: EUR 34 million) 

 Year of implementation: From 2024 

The programme will support infrastructures, digitalisation and equipment in Canary Islands health centres, and their primary 
care. 

(iii)  Access to water and water treatment 

The  Canary  Islands  face  significant  issues  related  to  water.  The  subtropical  location  of  the  Canary  Islands  and  their 
proximity to the Sahara Desert led to aridity, due to low rainfall and high temperatures. With regard to water resources 
management, the available consumption and resource balances are almost zero or loss-making, as stated in the respective 
island plans, with the exception of La Gomera and La Palma. There is a narrow margin for the availability of additional 
ecological flows for the proper maintenance of habitats, landscapes and ecosystems, or  for the regeneration of aquifers. 
With  regard  to  consumption,  given  the  importance  of  tourism,  the  average  use  of  water  per  inhabitant  in  touristic 
municipalities is substantially higher than in other municipalities. Residents have a consumption of 150 litres per inhabitant 
per day, well above the national average, but well below the water consumption of tourists. In the field of sanitation and 
treatment,  it  is  necessary  to  improve  and  extend  wastewater  treatment  and  pumping  plants.  Otherwise,  water  treatment 
volumes will deteriorate both in absolute terms caused by the gradual obsolescence of existing facilities, and in relative 
terms, due to the expected increase in water use because of population growth and tourism, while not enough treatment 
capacity 

Cohesion policy programmes 

EU  funds,  specifically  the  regional  programmes  under  cohesion  policy,  aim  at  addressing  the  Canary  Islands’  water 
transition to a management model that optimises the distribution network. The ERDF aims to contribute to improving these 
balances, by implementing actions to optimise distribution and improving storage. 

Support provided under the 2014-2020 programmes 

The ERDF planned to invest EUR 39.5 million in access to water and water treatment. The support is complemented by the 
ERDF pluri-regional programme investing EUR 31.6 million. By December 2023, the total amount of both programmes 
related to the Canary Islands had been invested and the targets had been reached, thus fulfilling the EU Directives in this 
area. More than 200 000 people benefited from these actions. 

Total budget: EUR 9.3 million (EU support: EUR 7.9 million)   

 Years of implementation: 2021-2024 

Wastewater treatment plant – Gáldar 

The  project  consisted  of  the  extension  of  the  existing  wastewater 
treatment plant of Gáldar in Gran Canaria since it was at the limit of its 
nominal capacity. To this end, it has taken into account not only aspects 
relating  to  its  mere  extension,  but  also  other  aspects  involving  an 
improvement  in  the  quality  of  the  treated  water,  savings  in  energy 
consumption, implementation of renewable energies, and minimisation of 
the  environmental  impact  of  the  treatment  complex.  It  also  addressed 
social  aspects  related  to  visual  impact  and  atmospheric  and  noise 
pollution. 

Support envisaged under the 2021-2027 programmes 

The ERDF plans to invest EUR 14.2 million. The proposed measures in wastewater treatment willcontribute to the goal of 
zero pollution, which benefits public health, the environment and climate neutrality. The objective of the proposed urban 
wastewater  treatment  measures  is  to  protect  human  health  and  safeguard  the  natural  environment,  putting  in  place  the 
necessary  infrastructure  to  collect  and  treat  urban  wastewater  and  to  eliminate  or  reduce  all  undesirable  effects  when 
discharged into water bodies. The actions are proposed in those treatment plants which are at the limit of their treatment 
capacity or whose design, operation and some of their elements are obsolete. The target foresees more than 34 000 persons 
connected to 3 new or upgraded wastewater treatment plants in the region. 

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(iv)  Renewables 

The development of renewable energies remains a key issue for the Canary Islands. Taking into account the national energy 
and climate plan, achieving the decarbonisation objectives requires significant efforts in this area. To this end, the Canary 
Islands need to promote and lead a profound change in the energy sector towards a more sustainable model based on energy 
efficiency and renewables. 

Cohesion policy programmes 

EU funds, specifically the regional programmes under cohesion policy, support the Canary Islands’ energy transition to a 
management model that optimises the distribution network. 

Support provided under the 2014-2020 programmes 

The ERDF planned to invest EUR 32 million in renewables. The indicators on renewables show an increase in the renewable 
energy production, with an estimation that the primary energy capacity reached 14 544 830 megawatt-hours.  

Total budget: EUR 5.9 million (EU support: EUR 5.9 million)   

 Year of implementation: 2023 

Biogreenfinery 

The  BIOGREENFINERY  project  focuses  in  the  technical  feasibility  and 
economic  viability  of  the  production  of  alternative  fuels  such  as  green 
hydrogen for transport. The project was funded 100% by REACT-EU, as part 
of the ERDF Operational Programme Canary Islands 2014-2020. 

Support envisaged under the 2021-2027 programmes 

The ERDF plans to invest EUR 41.2 million in the area of renewables. The targets are a reduction of greenhouse emissions 
by 83.36 tonnes CO2/year and the production of renewable energy of 107 435 megawatt-hours/year. 

Support to renewables in 2021-2027 

Total budget: EUR 30 million (EU support – REACT-EU: EUR 30 million)             Year of implementation: From 2024 

The programme will launch calls for the green transition. The grants will support the improvement of energy efficiency, the 
use of renewable energies and the implementation of systems, smart grids and energy storage equipment. The aim is to 
improve energy efficiency, increase the use of renewable energies and energy storage in buildings and infrastructures of 
public administrations, both regional, insular, local and institutional; companies regardless of their size, especially those in 
the service and industrial sectors; individuals and legal entities in the residential sector, including users of social housing; 
energy communities; and third sector entities. 

Other relevant EU funds or initiatives 

In the area of sustainable energy, the Recovery and Resilience Facility supports the Canary Islands with specific investments 
(up to EUR 684 million). It will support the creation of the Clean Energy and Smart Projects for Islands Office and the 
installation of at least 180 MW of renewable energy. The RRF aims to support at least 600 actions, projects or programmes 
linked to the “Smart Islands” or “Clean Energy for EU Islands” programmes, dedicated to renewable energy, and energy 
storage. 

(v)  Education and training and early school-leaving 

The Canary Islands face significant challenges concerning the education and skills level of its population. The early school-
leaving rate is 14.7% (13.7% Spain, 9.5% EU). Tackling this issue is crucial to improve individuals’ employability and 
economic prospects. The percentage of NEET (not in employment, nor education or training) is 11.1% (9.9% Spain, 9.2% 
EU). The percentage of people with basic or advanced digital skills is 56.3% (60.2% Spain) and suggests the need for greater 
emphasis on digital literacy programmes to bridge this gap. Adult participation in lifelong learning is relatively low (13.4% 

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against 14.4% in Spain). Increasing adult participation in learning programmes would raise the overall skill levels of the 
population and ensure the sectoral diversification of the regional economy. 

Cohesion policy programmes 

EU funds, specifically the regional programmes under cohesion policy, aim at promoting integrated and comprehensive 
support for specific vulnerable groups, including labour market orientation and employment opportunities. For those young 
people far from the labour market, integrated pathways are envisaged, including orientation and training. 

Support provided under the 2014-2020 programmes 

The ESF planned to invest over EUR 85 million in education and training, specifically to improve access to higher education 
and to reskilling and upskilling actions and to address skills mismatches. To reduce early school-leaving, the programme 
supported  training  programmes  for  secondary  education,  which  benefited  23 352  participants.  The  programme  also 
supported  various  other  initiatives,  including  an  international  MBA  and  PhD  scholarship  programme,  from  which  408 
people benefited. In the field of education and training, the programme set a target for 2023 that at least 84% of participants 
in pre-doctoral programmes and international business training should obtain a qualification. The programme also aims  to 
support higher vocational education and training so at least 75% of participants should obtain a qualification at the end of 
their course. 

By December 2022, the EU had invested invested more than EUR 78 million and over 23 000 people had benefited from 
measures facilitating the transition from education to work, including dual learning systems and apprenticeship schemes. 

Alternative employment training project ‘Asmuquema’ - Women wanting to do more painting 

Total budget: EUR 244 000 (EU support: EUR 224 000) 

 Years of implementation: 2016-2017 

The ‘Asmuquema’ project, funded by the ESF and the Government of the Canary Islands through the Youth Guarantee 
programme,  was  implemented  under  the  coordination  of  the  Construction  Labour  Foundation  in  Las  Palmas.  Its  main 
objective was to support unemployed women enrolled in the Youth Guarantee programme by providing specialised training 
in painting. For a period of 11 months, women were employed under a training and apprenticeship contract, which allowed 
them  to  receive  both  theoretical  and  practical  training,  as  outlined  in  the  certificate  of  professionalism,  while  actively 
participating in painting work, specifically the renovation of the first floor of the  ‘Nuestra Señora de Fátima’ Social and 
Health Centre, managed by the Cabildo de Gran Canaria. 

Support envisaged under the 2021-2027 programmes 

The ESF+ plans to invest over EUR 109 million in improving education and training, covering the quality and labour market 
relevance of education and training systems, as well as promoting lifelong learning and ensuring equal access to education 
and training opportunities for all. These investments aim to strengthen the skills and competencies of the workforce and to 
adapt  them to the  needs of  the  evolving labour market.  The  programme  aims  to  help over  62 000  participants  obtain a 
qualification by 2029. It also foresees helping over 32 000 young people aged 18-29 enter the labour market through training 
and learning activities by 2029. 

(vi) 

Social inclusion and employment 

The Canary Islands face significant challenges concerning social inclusion, as evidenced by its high at-risk-of-poverty or 
social exclusion (AROPE) rate of 33.8%. This is among the lowest performing regions in Spain, and well above EU average. 
The Canary Islands have one of the lowest employment rates in Spain, at 60.8%, and the fifth highest youth unemployment 
rate in Spain (32.8%). Its unemployment rate of 16.1% is one of the highest in Spain and long-term unemployment remains 
comparatively high at 41.2%. The region’s reliance on tourism makes it vulnerable to fluctuations and to high seasonality. 
The Canary Islands have adopted plans to diversify the economy, reduce unemployment and reduce poverty by promoting 
innovation, entrepreneurship and skills development. Challenges remain, such as inadequate infrastructure and the need for 
training programmes tailored to industry needs.  

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Cohesion policy programmes 

EU funds, specifically the regional programmes under cohesion policy, support initiatives in this field by focusing on the 
social and labour integration of vulnerable groups. 

Support provided under the 2014-2020 programmes 

The ESF included significant investments to promote employment and reduce poverty and, by targeting specific groups, 
established a specific focus on improving social inclusion and employment.  More than EUR 62 million was allocated to 
promoting sustainable and quality employment and supporting labour mobility, and more than EUR 21 million to initiatives 
aimed at promoting social inclusion and combating poverty and discrimination. Employment-related actions included more 
than 77 000 participants and the programme provided grants for self-employment and business advice to almost 38 000 
beneficiaries. In the area of social inclusion, the programme provided integrated pathways, reintegration measures for people 
at risk of poverty or social exclusion, and family support measures, with 5 685 participants. By December 2022, the EU had 
invested more than EUR 13 million and almost 4 700 unemployed persons had benefited from active inclusion measures. 

Inclusion and employability training project ‘INFOREMIASS IV’ 

Total budget: EUR 437 000 (EU support: EUR 401 000) 

 Years of implementation: 2016-2017 

In 2017, the Canary Islands Employment Service, in collaboration with Canary Islands councils and other public bodies, 
developed the  INFOREMIASS IV project which promotes work experience  for young people registered in the national 
Youth Guarantee system as well as for people over the age of 45. The INFOREMIASS IV project has been implemented 
since  2013  by  the  Institute  of  Social  and  Health  Care  of  the  Cabildo  of  Tenerife.  It  promotes  training  to  achieve 
employability for particularly vulnerable groups and focuses on unemployed young people with no training or experience. 

Support envisaged under the 2021-2027 programmes 

The  ESF+  plans  to  invest  over  EUR 446 million  in  the  Canary  Islands,  including  an  additional  allocation  of  over 
EUR 165 million for outermost regions. It aims to help more than 36 000 unemployed persons, including the long-term 
unemployed, and to support more than 9 000 participants from vulnerable groups by 2029. The ESF+ will provide more 
than EUR 80 million for measures promoting social inclusion and the fight against poverty. Over EUR 104 million will be 
invested in improving access to employment and activation measures. 

Other relevant EU funds or initiatives 

Horizon 2020 funded the ATHENA project, aimed at removing barriers to the recruitment, retention and career progression 
of female researchers in eight research organisations in Europe. 

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4.  Additional notes 

For the cohesion policy funds in the period 2014-2020, the programming period eligibility end date was 
31 December 2023. 

For the cohesion policy funds in the period 2021-2027, the programming period eligibility end date is 
31 December 2029. 

For REACT-EU, the eligibility end date was 31 December 2023. 

The tables with the indicators in each factsheet use as data source Eurostat. Context indicators presented in the 
tables can be found via the following link: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/regions/database, under “Detailed 
datasets”. 

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