natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
European cohesion policy has achieved major successes, most notably in its support for the southern enlargement of the EU.
European cohesion policy has achieved major successes, most notably in its support for the southern enlargement of the EU.
Thanks to the cumulative effects of the Structural Fund, GDP in Greece, Portugal and Ireland rose between 1989 and 1999 by 10% from 63.5% to over 70% of the EU average.
Thanks to the cumulative effects of the Structural Fund, GDP in Greece, Portugal and Ireland rose between 1989 and 1999 by 10% from 63.5% to over 70% of the EU average.
“A new partnership for Cohesion”: Third report on economic and social cohesion, European Commission COM(2004) 107, February 2004.
“A new partnership for Cohesion”: Third report on economic and social cohesion, European Commission COM(2004) 107, February 2004.
Many of the former candidate regions have now passed the 75% or 90% thresholds.
Many of the former candidate regions have now passed the 75% or 90% thresholds.
The results of eastward enlargement are rather more modest.
The results of eastward enlargement are rather more modest.
However, it also represented an incomparably larger challenge: the point of departure for economic convergence was lower and at the same time a radical change had to be made to the political system.
However, it also represented an incomparably larger challenge: the point of departure for economic convergence was lower and at the same time a radical change had to be made to the political system.
The enlargement from 15 to 25 Member States meant that the EU grew by 23% in area and by 20% in population, but by only 5% in terms of added value.
The enlargement from 15 to 25 Member States meant that the EU grew by 23% in area and by 20% in population, but by only 5% in terms of added value.
While the average income of the EU-10 managed to rise from 44% of EU-15 average income in 1997 to 50% in 2005
While the average income of the EU-10 managed to rise from 44% of EU-15 average income in 1997 to 50% in 2005
“Enlargement, two years after: an economic evaluation”, European Commission, Occasional Paper no.
“Enlargement, two years after: an economic evaluation”, European Commission, Occasional Paper no.
24, May 2006. , the Commission does not expect convergence of living standards (75% threshold) to be achieved until 2040.
24, May 2006. , the Commission does not expect convergence of living standards (75% threshold) to be achieved until 2040.
Some economic institutes think that the growth of some EU-10 states may significantly fall off, thus slowing down the convergence process even more.
Some economic institutes think that the growth of some EU-10 states may significantly fall off, thus slowing down the convergence process even more.
“Die aktuelle Wirtschaftslage in den Länder Mittel-, Ost- und Südeuropas”, [The current economic situation in the countries of Central, Eastern and Southern Europe], Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies, July 2005; data from Eurostat, 2006.
“Die aktuelle Wirtschaftslage in den Länder Mittel-, Ost- und Südeuropas”, [The current economic situation in the countries of Central, Eastern and Southern Europe], Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies, July 2005; data from Eurostat, 2006.
Even within the EU-15, however, many structural problems have still not been resolved, and new problems with business location are arising as a result of globalisation.
Even within the EU-15, however, many structural problems have still not been resolved, and new problems with business location are arising as a result of globalisation.
Many regions have been affected by business closures and high unemployment.
Many regions have been affected by business closures and high unemployment.
The above-mentioned convergence of the EU-10's economic performance with that of the EU-15 is partly the result of a relatively weak growth in the “old” EU-15.
The above-mentioned convergence of the EU-10's economic performance with that of the EU-15 is partly the result of a relatively weak growth in the “old” EU-15.
In most Member States, economic convergence is fraught with budgetary problems.
In most Member States, economic convergence is fraught with budgetary problems.
Six of the new Member States (Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Malta and Cyprus) have infringed the Stability and Growth Pact
Six of the new Member States (Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Malta and Cyprus) have infringed the Stability and Growth Pact
"The new Member States and the Stability and Growth Pact: needs for adapting in the prospect of euro area membership?", Appendix EUROFRAME-EFN report, spring 2006. , while the larger Member States, such as Germany and France, have in recent years been running budget deficits exceeding Stability Pact limits.
"The new Member States and the Stability and Growth Pact: needs for adapting in the prospect of euro area membership?", Appendix EUROFRAME-EFN report, spring 2006. , while the larger Member States, such as Germany and France, have in recent years been running budget deficits exceeding Stability Pact limits.
This will have a negative impact on the extent to which many Member States are able and willing to make contributions to the EU budget and thus to cohesion policy.
This will have a negative impact on the extent to which many Member States are able and willing to make contributions to the EU budget and thus to cohesion policy.
This is compounded by the prospect of the public expenditure occasioned by demographic change.
This is compounded by the prospect of the public expenditure occasioned by demographic change.
A communication of the Council of Economic and Finance Ministers of 13 February 2006
A communication of the Council of Economic and Finance Ministers of 13 February 2006
"The impact of ageing on public expenditure: projections for the EU-25 Member States on pensions, health care, long-term care, education and unemployment transfers (2004-2050)", European Commission, Directorate-General for Economic and financial Affairs, Special Report n° 1/2006, 13.2.2006. predicts a 4% increase in average EU expenditure on the elderly as a proportion of GDP accompanied by significant fall in the average growth rate for the EU-25 from 2.2% in the 2004-2010 period to 1.4% between 2030 and 2050.
"The impact of ageing on public expenditure: projections for the EU-25 Member States on pensions, health care, long-term care, education and unemployment transfers (2004-2050)", European Commission, Directorate-General for Economic and financial Affairs, Special Report n° 1/2006, 13.2.2006. predicts a 4% increase in average EU expenditure on the elderly as a proportion of GDP accompanied by significant fall in the average growth rate for the EU-25 from 2.2% in the 2004-2010 period to 1.4% between 2030 and 2050.
Absorption capacity and the challenge of future enlargements
Absorption capacity and the challenge of future enlargements
A decision of the EU Presidency
A decision of the EU Presidency
Council of the European Union, Presidency conclusions of 15./16.6.2006 (Document 10633/1/06 of 17.7.2006) states that that the European Union, in accepting new Member States, should remain in a position to maintain the dynamic of European integration and “that every effort should be made to protect the cohesion and the effectiveness of the Union”.
Council of the European Union, Presidency conclusions of 15./16.6.2006 (Document 10633/1/06 of 17.7.2006) states that that the European Union, in accepting new Member States, should remain in a position to maintain the dynamic of European integration and “that every effort should be made to protect the cohesion and the effectiveness of the Union”.
In other words, in relation to cohesion policy, absorption capacity means that "old” regions/countries should not lose their eligibility for funding as a result of the statistical effect without improvements in their competitiveness and structural situation have changed for the better.
In other words, in relation to cohesion policy, absorption capacity means that "old” regions/countries should not lose their eligibility for funding as a result of the statistical effect without improvements in their competitiveness and structural situation have changed for the better.
The loss or prospective loss of structural funding was already a problem for many regions of the EU-15 as a result of the eastward enlargement.
The loss or prospective loss of structural funding was already a problem for many regions of the EU-15 as a result of the eastward enlargement.
If the ACC-9 joined today, the European Parliament’s research unit estimates that more than a third of the current regions eligible for structural funding would lose their Objective 1 status.
If the ACC-9 joined today, the European Parliament’s research unit estimates that more than a third of the current regions eligible for structural funding would lose their Objective 1 status.
"Future Enlargement and Cohesion Policy", Note by Specialist Unit on Structural and Cohesion Policy (Policy Department) IP/B/REGI/NT/2006_08, November 2006, see Table 3 in Annex.
"Future Enlargement and Cohesion Policy", Note by Specialist Unit on Structural and Cohesion Policy (Policy Department) IP/B/REGI/NT/2006_08, November 2006, see Table 3 in Annex.
Only the Baltic states and Slovakia would escape the loss of eligible regions.
Only the Baltic states and Slovakia would escape the loss of eligible regions.
The worst affected would be Italy, Germany, Malta, Spain, Greece and France.
The worst affected would be Italy, Germany, Malta, Spain, Greece and France.
Greece, Cyprus and Slovenia would be excluded from the Cohesion Fund (90%).
Greece, Cyprus and Slovenia would be excluded from the Cohesion Fund (90%).
The Czech Republic would not fall far short of the 90% threshold.
The Czech Republic would not fall far short of the 90% threshold.
However, expert calculations have shown that, if all the ACC-9 joined the EU now, a budget of EUR 150.2 billion would have to be made available to them to permit the structural fund investments which are presently regarded as essential to take place.
However, expert calculations have shown that, if all the ACC-9 joined the EU now, a budget of EUR 150.2 billion would have to be made available to them to permit the structural fund investments which are presently regarded as essential to take place.
"Die Auswirkungen der zukünftigen Erweiterungen auf die EU-Regionalpolitik, Berechnungen und Erläuterungen zur zukünftigen Verteilung der Strukturfonds", [Effects of future enlargements on EU regional policy, calculations and observations on the future distribution of the Structural Funds] GEFRA Gesellschaft für Finanz- und Regionalanalysen, November 2006.
"Die Auswirkungen der zukünftigen Erweiterungen auf die EU-Regionalpolitik, Berechnungen und Erläuterungen zur zukünftigen Verteilung der Strukturfonds", [Effects of future enlargements on EU regional policy, calculations and observations on the future distribution of the Structural Funds] GEFRA Gesellschaft für Finanz- und Regionalanalysen, November 2006.
This amount is totally out of proportion to the potential contribution of the ACC-9 to the structural budget (a 4% increase).
This amount is totally out of proportion to the potential contribution of the ACC-9 to the structural budget (a 4% increase).
see previous footnote.
see previous footnote.
An increase of this magnitude in the structural fund appropriations is politically unrealistic.
An increase of this magnitude in the structural fund appropriations is politically unrealistic.
A consequent linear reduction in funding for existing recipients would also make little sense: this would mean Poland, for example, having to accept a reduction of nearly 50% in its current structural funding.
A consequent linear reduction in funding for existing recipients would also make little sense: this would mean Poland, for example, having to accept a reduction of nearly 50% in its current structural funding.
These enlargement scenarios will not, of course, all take place at the same time.
These enlargement scenarios will not, of course, all take place at the same time.
The only thing which is certain at present is that the statistical effects of Romania’s and Bulgaria’s accession in 2007 will be felt in the next funding period.
The only thing which is certain at present is that the statistical effects of Romania’s and Bulgaria’s accession in 2007 will be felt in the next funding period.
But all the countries receiving pre-accession assistance are seeking early EU membership.
But all the countries receiving pre-accession assistance are seeking early EU membership.
Neither the time-frame for the accession of the individual countries nor the economic development of the EU can be precisely predicted at present.
Neither the time-frame for the accession of the individual countries nor the economic development of the EU can be precisely predicted at present.
The assumed 4% absorption of structural funds is also not likely to take place immediately for every country.
The assumed 4% absorption of structural funds is also not likely to take place immediately for every country.
Nevertheless, the scale of the forthcoming accessions, given existing structural policy regulations, needs to be made clear.
Nevertheless, the scale of the forthcoming accessions, given existing structural policy regulations, needs to be made clear.
Even this simplified picture shows that the Community would be overwhelmed by the prospective new members taken as a whole, under current structural policy conditions.
Even this simplified picture shows that the Community would be overwhelmed by the prospective new members taken as a whole, under current structural policy conditions.
However, the calculations also show that the individual accessions would differ significantly in their effects on the EU.
However, the calculations also show that the individual accessions would differ significantly in their effects on the EU.
Turkey is a special case in every respect.
Turkey is a special case in every respect.
It is estimated that, if Turkey were now an EU Member State, it would be receiving 27.3% of Structural Fund appropriations, an annual amount of € 16 billion, corresponding to Commission estimates – based on growth rates of 4.5% for 2024 accompanied by a 4% absorption rate – of an annual contribution of € 22.4 billion.
It is estimated that, if Turkey were now an EU Member State, it would be receiving 27.3% of Structural Fund appropriations, an annual amount of € 16 billion, corresponding to Commission estimates – based on growth rates of 4.5% for 2024 accompanied by a 4% absorption rate – of an annual contribution of € 22.4 billion.
"Issues arising from Turkey’s Membership perspective ", Commission Staff Working Document SEC(2004) 1202, October 2004.
"Issues arising from Turkey’s Membership perspective ", Commission Staff Working Document SEC(2004) 1202, October 2004.
According to other estimates, by 2025 Turkey would be receiving up to € 26 billion annually for Structural Policy measures alone.
According to other estimates, by 2025 Turkey would be receiving up to € 26 billion annually for Structural Policy measures alone.
“Der EU-Beitritt der Türkei: Wie teuer wird die Gemeinsame Agrarpolitik", [Turkey’s EU membership: How expensive will it be for agricultural policy?]
“Der EU-Beitritt der Türkei: Wie teuer wird die Gemeinsame Agrarpolitik", [Turkey’s EU membership: How expensive will it be for agricultural policy?]
Harald Grethe.
Harald Grethe.
Humboldt Universität Berlin, Agrarwirtschaft 54 (2005) Heft 2/ 2005.
Humboldt Universität Berlin, Agrarwirtschaft 54 (2005) Heft 2/ 2005.
Rapporteur’s observations
Rapporteur’s observations
The development forecasts set out above show that the accession of the potential candidate countries would once more greatly widen regional discrepancies in terms of wealth within the enlarged EU.
The development forecasts set out above show that the accession of the potential candidate countries would once more greatly widen regional discrepancies in terms of wealth within the enlarged EU.
The resulting challenge for a cohesion policy seeking to achieve regional equilibrium will be compounded by an overstretched budget and increasing global competition even within the EU-27.
The resulting challenge for a cohesion policy seeking to achieve regional equilibrium will be compounded by an overstretched budget and increasing global competition even within the EU-27.
At the same time, expectations are growing for European structural policy to make an effective contribution to the Lisbon strategy.
At the same time, expectations are growing for European structural policy to make an effective contribution to the Lisbon strategy.
As a result the challenges to European Regional Policy will outstrip the funds available.
As a result the challenges to European Regional Policy will outstrip the funds available.
The current aims of cohesion policy can only be achieved by a graduated approach to the enlargement process and by reforms to boost the efficiency of existing instruments.
The current aims of cohesion policy can only be achieved by a graduated approach to the enlargement process and by reforms to boost the efficiency of existing instruments.
Graduated regional policy models
Graduated regional policy models
In order to cushion the impact on the EU and at the same time to hold out to potential candidate countries an attractive prospect independent of full EU membership, the Commission should develop graduated models permitting a further differentiation between pre-accession assistance and full membership of the cohesion policy, particularly for Turkey.
In order to cushion the impact on the EU and at the same time to hold out to potential candidate countries an attractive prospect independent of full EU membership, the Commission should develop graduated models permitting a further differentiation between pre-accession assistance and full membership of the cohesion policy, particularly for Turkey.
Structural funding plans to this effect should be drawn up in the light of the economic and political progress made by the candidate countries and could reflect a special type of EU membership or an enhanced EEA+ membership.
Structural funding plans to this effect should be drawn up in the light of the economic and political progress made by the candidate countries and could reflect a special type of EU membership or an enhanced EEA+ membership.
It must also be possible to reverse or suspend structural policy measures.
It must also be possible to reverse or suspend structural policy measures.
In addition, the structural policy component of the “reinforced neighbourhood policy” should be more defined, in greater detail.
In addition, the structural policy component of the “reinforced neighbourhood policy” should be more defined, in greater detail.
Components of an efficient regional policy
Components of an efficient regional policy
The effectiveness of regional policy might be maintained or even enhanced by the leverage effect of loan financing , even when the margins for financial manoeuvre are limited.
The effectiveness of regional policy might be maintained or even enhanced by the leverage effect of loan financing , even when the margins for financial manoeuvre are limited.
Greater effectiveness for European funding might also be achieved through higher national co-financing shares and simplified arrangements for private co-financing of European programmes.
Greater effectiveness for European funding might also be achieved through higher national co-financing shares and simplified arrangements for private co-financing of European programmes.
Consideration should also be given to the link between the effectiveness of cohesion policy and national economic policies.
Consideration should also be given to the link between the effectiveness of cohesion policy and national economic policies.
The Community might therefore link the award of appropriations to a favourable national growth policy.
The Community might therefore link the award of appropriations to a favourable national growth policy.
A radical rethink should also take place on the substance of funding priorities.
A radical rethink should also take place on the substance of funding priorities.
In particular programmes for promoting regional competitiveness should concentrate more closely on the internationalisation of the regional economy and on building up key international infrastructures with a view to giving greater incentives to growth.
In particular programmes for promoting regional competitiveness should concentrate more closely on the internationalisation of the regional economy and on building up key international infrastructures with a view to giving greater incentives to growth.
It is also essential that the structural funds play a more important role in cushioning the impact of demographic change and globalisation.
It is also essential that the structural funds play a more important role in cushioning the impact of demographic change and globalisation.
The effectiveness of business subsidies, on the other hand, should be subjected to critical examination, since they probably do not play a decisive role in determining business location.
The effectiveness of business subsidies, on the other hand, should be subjected to critical examination, since they probably do not play a decisive role in determining business location.
Finally, there needs to be greater transparency in the award of appropriations.
Finally, there needs to be greater transparency in the award of appropriations.
Only when there is sufficient clarity about how and where the money from the structural funds is being spent will it be possible to review the list of political objectives.
Only when there is sufficient clarity about how and where the money from the structural funds is being spent will it be possible to review the list of political objectives.
It is also vital to fight corruption and abuses and this must be an absolute precondition for membership of the European cohesion policy.
It is also vital to fight corruption and abuses and this must be an absolute precondition for membership of the European cohesion policy.
Criteria for the further development of cohesion policy will have to be discussed in the review of the 2008/2009 budget as well as in future assessments of cohesion policy and pre-accession assistance.
Criteria for the further development of cohesion policy will have to be discussed in the review of the 2008/2009 budget as well as in future assessments of cohesion policy and pre-accession assistance.
for the Committee on Regional Development
for the Committee on Regional Development
on the consequences of future enlargements on the effectiveness of cohesion policy
on the consequences of future enlargements on the effectiveness of cohesion policy
The Committee on Budgets calls on the Committee on Regional Development, as the committee responsible, to incorporate the following suggestions in its motion for a resolution:
The Committee on Budgets calls on the Committee on Regional Development, as the committee responsible, to incorporate the following suggestions in its motion for a resolution:
Notes that, as a result of future enlargements, the European Union will have to tackle three major challenges in cohesion policy, namely the aggravation of disparities in development, the displacement of the centre of gravity of cohesion policy towards the east and the inequalities which persist within the EU-15;
Notes that, as a result of future enlargements, the European Union will have to tackle three major challenges in cohesion policy, namely the aggravation of disparities in development, the displacement of the centre of gravity of cohesion policy towards the east and the inequalities which persist within the EU-15;