Broadband, reduction in hydrogeological risk, SME development and sustainable urban development are the main pillars of the 2014-2020 Operational Programme for Abruzzo, which was adopted by the European Commission. The investment amounts to €231.5 million in total, of which €115.7 is allocated by the EU under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), and the remaining 50% through national co-financing. Commissioner for Regional Policy Corina Crețu welcomed the adoption
- 18 August 2015
Broadband, reduction in hydrogeological risk, SME development and sustainable urban development are the main pillars of the 2014-2020 Operational Programme for Abruzzo, which was adopted by the European Commission.
The investment amounts to €231.5 million in total, of which €115.7 is allocated by the EU under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), and the remaining 50% through national co-financing.
Commissioner for Regional Policy Corina Crețu welcomed the adoption of the programme: "The investment will be used partly to create new high-value jobs and to further develop collaboration between research and businesses, and partly to contribute towards safeguarding this area, which is so often struck by major natural catastrophes. Many families and businesses will benefit from superfast broadband, which is currently mostly unavailable in the area".
This programme is the result of a lively dialogue between the European Commission and the Abruzzo region. €65 million has been allocated to the production system competitiveness, €45 million to research, technological development and innovation, €26 million to distribution of digital services, €25 million to the reduction in hydrogeological risk, €23 million to the promotion of a low-carbon emitting economy and sustainable urban development, and €15.5 million to the safeguarding and development of natural and cultural resources.
Main expected results:
- 130,000 families connected to the new superfast broadband infrastructure (at least 30 Mbps)
- 100 researchers employed out of a total of 220 new jobs
- Investment in over 400 SMEs
- Creation of 120 innovative start-ups
- 21 new collaborations between businesses and R&D centres
- Support to 250 businesses for the development of innovative products
- Cut of 1,890 tons in CO2 emissions
- Flood prevention measures made available to an extra 1,500 people locally
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