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COMMISSION OPINION

of 19 June 1984

on the regional development programmes

(84/389/EEC)

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN

COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 155 thereof,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 724/75 of 18 March 1975 establishing a European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) (1), as last amended by Regulation (EEC) No 3325/80 (2), and in particular Article 6 thereof,

Whereas the new - second generation - regional development programmes were notified by the Member States pursuant to the aforesaid Article 6;

Whereas these programmes have been established taking account of Commission recommendation 79/535/EEC of 23 May 1979 (3);

Whereas the Regional Policy Committee on 11 February, 13 May and 1 and 2 July 1982, 24 and 25 March, 26 and 27 May, 7 and 8 July and 10 November 1983 has given a favourable opinion on these programmes;

Whereas, the common outline drawn up by the Regional Policy Committee (4) specifies what information these programmes must contain under the five chapters 'Economic and social analysis', 'Development objectives', 'Measures for development', 'Financial resources' and 'Implementation';

Whereas, as a result of the examination of the regional development programmes carried out in close association with the national authorities and within the Regional Policy Committee, a number of Member States have, at the Commission's request, either completed their programmes or provided additional information,

HEREBY DELIVERS THE FOLLOWING OPINION:

In conformity which recommendation 79/535/EEC of 23 May 1979 the second generation regional development programmes were, with one exception, established for the period 1981 to 1985, which coincides with that of the medium-term economic programme of the Community.

In all programmes the geographical units examined correspond with the regions eligible for ERDF assistance, but the information given by Member States also contains information on measures applied in other regions.

1. Economic and social analysis

The main aspects of past economic and social development as well as the principal imbalances besetting the regions and their causes are revealed in all the regional development programmes. In general, the effects of past corrective actions - regional aids and infrastructure investments - on the regional development, are only treated in a general manner.

Development potential and conditions are dealt with in all programmes, but in some, in a rather brief manner.

The implications of national or community policies - other than regionl policy - have not yet been taken sufficiently into account in the analyses.

2. Development objectives

The programmes generally contain either objectives for future job creation or estimates relative to employment deficits at the end of the programme period.

The other objectives for regional development are set out in qualitative terms. As far as objectives for infrastructure are concerned, it is not shown what links exist between the development of the regions and the foreseen infrastructure investments, which of a general manner are preconditions to regional development.

Most programmes give information on national infrastructure of regional importance.

3. Development measures

The programmes give information on the regional policy measures in force, and in particular on the regional aid schemes.

As far as the programming of current infrastructure investments are concerned most programmes give precise information.

In general, the programmes do not indicate clearly what is the priority rating of the many measures mentioned.

4. Financial resources

The programmes generally contain indications on the total financial resources available for regional development in the programme period, and also information year-by-year on financial resources for infrastructure investment. However, this information is not always given in an individual format for the ERDF regions.

A few programmes contain information on financial transfers between different levels of government, notably on finance from regional or subregional sources.

5. Implementation

The programmes give detailed information on agencies or institutions responsible for the carrying out of the programmes.

By way of conclusion, the second generation programmes taken as a whole represent a substantial improvement on those for the preceding period. They improve the conditions in which evaluations of the investment projects presented by the Member States for ERDF assistance are made.

The Commission considers that a more precise definition of priorities would facilitate the coordination of the orientation and priorities of community and national regional policy and the usage of the ERDF in the choice of actions in common financing.

The Commission intends to proceed, with each Member State, with an annual examination of projects and programmes which can be co-financed by the Community within the framework of priorities defined from the regional development programmes.

Done at Brussels, 19 June 1984.

For the Commission

Antonio GIOLITTI

Member of the Commission

(1) OJ No L 73, 21. 3. 1975, p. 1.

(2) OJ No L 349, 23. 12. 1980, p. 10.

(3) OJ No L 143, 12. 6. 1979, p. 9.

(4) OJ No C 69, 24. 3. 1976, p. 2.