Operational Programme 'Syddanmark - Schleswig-K.E.R.N.'

On 20 December 2007, the European Commission approved a Cross-border Cooperation Programme for Denmark and Germany that will run between 2007 and 2013. The programme provides Community support as part of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for the Danish region of Syddanmark and for parts of Schleswig-Holstein in Germany.

The Operational Programme falls within the framework laid out for the European Territorial Cooperation Objective and has a total budget of around €69 million. Community funding through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) amounts to some €44 million, which represents approximately 0.5% of the total EU investment earmarked for the European Territorial Cooperation Objective under the Cohesion Policy 2007-13.

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1. Purpose and aim of the programme

By harnessing regional resources, the Programme aims to help the cross-border area become an active player in the global market-place. The focus is on improving the area’s attractiveness and further strengthening the cross-border cooperation that was developed in previous programming periods.

2. Expected impact of the investment

The Programme aims to improve regional competitiveness and nurture a sustainable environment. Its activities should make the cross-border area a more attractive location for enterprises and enhance the quality of life of local residents. The development of cross-border transport connections and the creation of new businesses and services are key programme goals.

3. Priorities

The Operational Programme is structured around the following priorities:

Priority 1: Reinforcement and consolidation of the region’s knowledge-based economy [approximately 46.4% of the total budget]

Activities supported in this priority include: economic cooperation and enterprise creation; the development and introduction of new technologies; cooperation in research and education; tourism development; and new initiatives in the health care sector.

Priority 2: Development of framework conditions in the area [approximately 23.3% of the total budget]

The aim is to develop human resources and create a sustainable environment. Subjects that are high on the programme agenda include: sustainable energy use, transport and logistics, and the development of housing that reflects demographic need.

Priority 3: Day-to-day cooperation and functional integration in the border region [approximately 23.3% of the total budget]

This priority seeks to support cultural and linguistic cooperation as well as initiatives to bring the region’s young people closer together. In addition, the axis promotes cross-border employment and education, public transport and administrative cooperation.

Priority 4: Technical assistance [approximately 7.0% of the total budget]

Technical assistance is available for Programme management, including information and communication activities.