Programme under the Convergence Objective, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Operational Programme 'Algarve'
Programme description
On 10 October 2007, the European Commission approved a Regional Operational Programme for Algarve, Portugal, for the 2007-2013 period. The Operational Programme sets out the Community support for Portugal within the Convergence Objective framework. Community funding for this programme through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) amounts to some €175 million, which represents approximately 0.8% of the total EU investment in Portugal under the 2007-13 Cohesion Policy.
1. Aim and purpose of the programme
The main goal of the Operational Programme is to set the position conditions of the Algarve region, within the context of the knowledge society, as a dynamic and competitive region.
2. The expected impact of the investment
The strategy underlying the Operational Programme is to increase Algarve’s tourism productivity and competitiveness performances in keeping with the following objectives:
- a robust economy
- a balanced and competitive territorial management structure that is compatible with sustainable and environmentally friendly development.
3. Priority axes
The Algarve Regional Operational Programme is structured along the following priorities:
Priority 1: Competitiveness, innovation and knowledge [approximately 51 % of total funding]
The objectives under this priority provide entrepreneurial incentives towards the environment that lead toward the modernisation of regional productive structures, the promotion, consolidation, enhancement and development of tourism and leisure activities.
Priority 2: Environmental protection and development [approximately 10 % of total funding]
This priority will implement actions leading to the protection, promotion and enhancement of the natural heritage; stimulate new solutions and good environmental protection practices.
Priority 3: Territorial enhancement and urban development [approximately 35% of total funding]
The main objectives of this priority, within the territorial cohesion framework, include competitiveness enhancement, urban networks rehabilitation and development.
Priority 4: Technical assistance [approximately 4.34 % of total funding]
There is provision for technical assistance to implement the programme. Financial support is available covering costs for administration, monitoring, evaluation and control.
4. Managing Authority
Financial information
Breakdown of finances by priority axis
| Priority Axis | EU Investment | National Public Contribution | Total Public Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Competitiveness, innovation and knowledge | 89.958.171,00 | 97.111.120,00 | 187.069.291,00 |
| Environmental protection and development | 18.322.055,00 | 16.912.667,00 | 35.234.722,00 |
| Territorial enhancement and urban development | 60.985.850,00 | 60.985.850,00 | 121.971.700,00 |
| Technical assistance | 5.685.940,00 | 2.436.831,00 | 8.122.771,00 |
| Total | 174.952.016,00 | 177.446.468,00 | 352.398.484,00 |