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New stage in the European strategy for the outermost regions

Edited on

24 June 2019
Read time: 1 minute
EU policies

"Danuta Hübner, Commissioner for regional policy, has presented on Monday October 27th 2008 the communication "The outermost regions: an asset for Europe". It proposes a renewed strategy for the seven outermost regions: the four French overseas departments, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Réunion and Martinique, the Portuguese autonomous regions of the Azores and Madeira and the Spanish Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands."

"Far from the image of "problem regions", henceforth they are being regarded more favourably as "hidden treasures". Numerous projects supported by the European Union amply bear witness to the capacity of OR to specialise in leading-edge sectors and also provide vehicles for pilot-projects of benefit to the entire Union. Indeed, the Commissioner is calling for the outermost regions (OR) to be considered as "regions of opportunity", rich in potential for the development of the Union as a whole. She stressed that "Europe must rediscover its "hidden treasures" – the outermost regions! The OR have much to offer the European Union. They are located in areas of geostrategic significance for the European Union's maritime dimension and neighbourhood policy. Because of their geographical and geomorphological characteristics they are the ideal location for experimentation in a number of fields, such as climate change. Their biodiversity and exceptional marine ecosystems present great potential for innovation in the areas of pharmaceuticals or agronomy. They also grow high-quality agricultural produce, such as teas, wines, rum, cheeses, fruit, flowers and ornamental plants. The Commission therefore proposes:

  • to ensure that optimal use is made of the €7.8 billion in Community investment available for these regions (under the ERDF, ESF, EAFRD, EFF and POSEI) over the period 2007-2013. This will also mean taking the fullest advantage of the opportunities offered by all of the Community programmes (particularly the 7th framework programme for research and development, the lifelong learning programme, etc.).
  • to address the new challenges linked to climate change, demographic trends and migratory flows. This will entail:
    1. launching a number of studies to increase knowledge and understanding of the specific impact on the economic and social cohesion of the outermost regions of certain phenomena, such as migration and demographic trends, climate change, the loss of biodiversity, the marine environment, etc.
    2. encouraging the implementation of an integrated policy for the management of risks coastal areas (flooding, coastline erosion, vulnerability of people and property)
    3. reinforcing regional integration (for instance, setting up short-distance maritime links)
    4. providing start-up and investment assistance for young farmers
    5. helping to promote the high-performing reputation of the agricultural and agri-food sectors.
  • Strengthening the partnership between the European Union, the OR and their associated Member States. Commissioner Hübner proposes in particular that a "Forum for outermost Europe" be organised every two years in order to improve dialogue and raise awareness of the specific characteristics of the OR.

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