3rd report, 2002, report on the Inquiry into the Future of Cohesion Policy and Structural Funds post 2006.

Scottish Parliament papers Session 1 (2002) 618; SP paper Session 1 (2002) 618

Format:

Corporate Author:

Scottish Parliament, European Committee.

Author:

IreneOldfather (convener)

Publisher:

TSO (The Stationery Office)

The European Structural Funds comprise four main financial instruments: the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF); the European Social Fund (ESF); the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF); and the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG). The recommendations of the Committee's reports include the following points. The Commission and the Member States should redefine how they fund redevelopment of regions suffering industrial decline.The four principles that currently define the structural funds - partnership, programming, additionality and compatibility - should be retained and re-emphasised. Environmental sustainability and protection of our natural and cultural heritage should be re-emphasised in future programmes. Serious consideration should be given to increasing the relative share of Community budgets available for regional development. A new instrument should be brought forward to help a region respond to asymmetric shocks to its economy, whilst being consistent with EU law, e. g. the result of disasters such as foot and mouth, large-scale industrial closures, environmental disorders etc. The Commission should give consideration to increased levels of decentralisation to regions and nations such as Scotland in any future programme.