Epirus Objective 1 Programme
Programme description
The European Commission has approved an economic and social development programme for the Greek region of Epirus for the period 2000-2006. The programme has a financial volume of approximately EUR 680,01 million, of which EUR 435,98 million (64% of the total budget) will come from the EU's Structural Funds. The remainder will be supplied by the public and private sectors.
Eligible areas / Contact / Financial tables1. Action Priorities
The programme is designed to promote Epirus' long-term development and capitalise on the region's geopolitical position and the unspoiled nature of its mountain areas, by strengthening existing amenities and taking environmental issues more closely into account. The programme priorities are as follows:Priority 1 : Providing infrastructures and support for private investment aimed at promoting the role of the region, and encouraging innovationThe region of Epirus is isolated, has structural problems and lacks infrastructure. An important part of the financial support is destined for improving the infrastructure, with the objective of helping Epirus to become Northern Greece's gateway to Central and Western Europe. Aid for businesses will focus on productive investments and will be accompanied by measures designed to stimulate the cross-fertilisation of innovation and the entrepreneurial spirit in the various sectors of the new economy.
Priority 2 : Enhancing the value of urban areas, providing environmental and social amenities and implementing integrated measuresIn the context of this priority, the programme will provide support to health, welfare, and environmental amenities in urban and semi-urban centres, and integrate measures of a local character. The main objective of the programme is to enhance the value of urban areas and to create a modern self-reliant regional economy.
Priority 3 : Underpinning the tourism sector and protecting and enhancing the value of natural and cultural resourcesEpirus has wild mountains, with precious natural and cultural beauty which is being ignored by tourism. The programme will help in the diversification and improvement of tourism by giving value to, and promoting mountain activities, cultural assets, and the tourist infrastructure of its mountains with the improvement of the existing infrastructure, and the creation of conditions for lasting development by taking environmental problems more into consideration.
Priority 4 : Ensuring sustainable development for rural, mountain and less-favoured areasThere is a need to upgrade the rural infrastructure and to re-adapt the production in order to promote sustainable development for rural, mountain and less-favoured areas. The programme intends to promote the sustainable development of these areas by offering opportunities mainly in the eco-tourism sector. In this context, its most important advantage is the wild natural beauty.
Priority 5: Developing human resourcesBetter skills and training possibilities will contribute to producing the conditions needed for the creation of new jobs and for sustainable and equitable growth. It is estimated that 445 new jobs will be created. The main solution is the creation of new business in order to alleviate unemployment. The sector of tourism and services can offer many opportunities for new jobs.
Priority 6: Technical assistance There is also provision for technical assistance to implement the programme. Financial support is available covering administration, monitoring and control.
2. Description of the eligible areas
Epirus is the poorest region of Greece with a per-capita income (GDP) of 43,8 % of the EU average. 75 % of its territory is mountainous and 59% of its inhabitants live in rural areas. The region depends mainly on the primary sector. Isolation and structural problems are a direct consequence of its peripheral geographic position. Nevertheless, the geographic position of the region can become the most important dynamic element in linking Northern Greece to Central and Western Europe. The programme seeks to exploit the region's geopolitical position and the wild natural beauty of its mountains by improving the existing infrastructure and creating the conditions for lasting development by taking environmental problems more into consideration.
3. Management and contact details
The Managing Authority for the operational programme is a special regional department in Epirus. A Monitoring Committee will be made up of representatives from the competent ministries, regional and local levels, and social and economic partners.
Financial information
Breakdown of finances by priority axis
| Priority Axis | EU Investment | National Public Contribution | Total Public Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Promotion of the region as a "Gateway to the West" in Northern Greece | 118.198.752,00 | 204.598.336,00 | 204.598.336,00 |
| Reinforcement of urban infrastructures and services | 67.881.000,00 | 90.508.000,00 | 90.508.000,00 |
| Reinforcement of tourism - protection and exploitation of natural and cultural resources | 58.981.250,00 | 78.641.667,00 | 78.641.667,00 |
| Sustainable rural development | 166.736.367,00 | 222.315.156,00 | 222.315.156,00 |
| Support and development of human resources | 28.831.750,00 | 38.442.333,00 | 38.442.333,00 |
| Technical assistance | 3.289.289,00 | 4.385.718,00 | 4.385.718,00 |
| Total | 443.918.408,00 | 638.891.210,00 | 638.891.210,00 |