Programme for Community assistance from the European Regional Development Fund under the 'Convergence' objective
Programme description
On 5 November 2007 the European Commission adopted the Operational programme for Community assistance from the European Regional Development Fund under the "Convergence" objective in the Attica region.
The total cost (= public expenditure) of the programme is EUR 3.05 billion, of which the Community contribution (ERDF) is EUR 2.4 billion (maximum ERDF cofinancing of 79.91%), while the national contribution provided for is EUR 613 million.
1. Strategic objectives and priorities of the Operational Programme
The strategic objective of the programme is to develop Athens as a metropolitan and international centre in south-eastern Europe while at the same time addressing the infrastructural weaknesses of both Athens and the Attica region. This programme is in line with the new town-planning policy for the region.
The programme has the following four strategic objectives:
- making the region more attractive,
- improving quality of life and environmental protection,
- improving the competitiveness of the region's economy,
- creating more and better jobs.
59% of the resources allocated under the ERDF will focus on what are known as the Lisbon priorities (in accordance with the strategy for growth and jobs defined by the Member States in 2000).
2. Estimated impact of European Union investment
Community financing should help to create 2 380 jobs by supporting businesses and to grant some 15 patents. It is also planned to increase the number of daily tram users by more than 30 000 by developing public transport. It is also intended to:
- increase to 95% the percentage of the region's population whose waste water will be treated by a sewage treatment plant, thanks to projects to be set up in the east of the region;
- increase to 51% the percentage of the population with access to primary care centres, thanks to the construction of new health centres;
- increase to 20% the percentage of the region's population who will use public e-services.
3. Priorities
The operational programme is divided into five priority areas.
Priority 1: Strengthening infrastructure relating to accessibility and energy
By focusing on strengthening the urban transport network, developing combined transport, extending regional and trans-European road links and supporting energy and electricity projects, this priority is in keeping with the European and national objectives in these areas.
Priority 2: Sustainable development and improving quality of life
This priority aims to:
- improve the water management system and the solid and liquid waste management system, protect aquatic resources, promote environmental biodiversity, prevent physical and technological risks;
- improve health and social infrastructure (crèches), promote digital services among the public and improve education facilities as well as those related to culture and tourism.
Priority 3: Improving competitiveness, innovation and digital convergence
Tasks to be promoted in the Attica region in order to make its economy more competitive include greater use of information and communication technology (ICT) in businesses, knowledge transfer for the creation of innovative products, support for technology transfer to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), support for investment in businesses directly involved in research and innovation, the networking of SMEs, assistance for SMEs in the use of modern financing instruments, incentives for "green" entrepreneurship and improved IT services for tourism.
Priority 4: Regeneration of urban regions
This objective covers both the renovation of deprived areas, by focusing in particular on the development of parks, and the urban and socio-economic regeneration of suburbs which have development potential. The promotion of activities related to culture, tourism and entrepreneurship is also to be taken into consideration.
Priority 5: Technical assistance
The aim is to carry out studies and take measures to introduce, monitor and evaluate the 2007-2013 programme, promote the sharing of experiences and undertake publicity and information activities among beneficiaries and inhabitants of the region.
4. Managing authority
Financial information
Breakdown of finances by priority axis
| Priority Axis | EU Investment | National Public Contribution | Total Public Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strengthening infrastructure relating to accessibility and energy | 717.000.000,00 | 127.000.000,00 | 844.000.000,00 |
| Sustainable development and improving quality of life | 1.026.560.000,00 | 256.440.000,00 | 1.283.000.000,00 |
| Improving competitiveness, innovation and digital convergence | 528.940.000,00 | 174.060.000,00 | 703.000.000,00 |
| Regeneration of urban regions | 141.000.000,00 | 47.000.000,00 | 188.000.000,00 |
| Technical Assistance | 24.500.000,00 | 8.500.000,00 | 33.000.000,00 |
| Total | 2.438.000.000,00 | 613.000.000,00 | 3.051.000.000,00 |