Regions for economic change

For the period 2007-2013 the Commission plans to focus, in partnership with Member States, two existing instruments of European Regional Policy – Inter-regional Co-operation and the Urban development network programme – on testing best practice for economic modernisation and increased competitiveness. This new initiative will be called Regions For Economic Change and will further enhance the contribution of European Cohesion Policy to achieving the goals of the renewed Lisbon agenda. The total budget will be of the order of € 375 million.

Under the new initiative, Interregional Co-operation and the Urban development network programme will continue to operate as at present. Volunteer networks of participating Member States, regions and cities will select development themes which interest them and pursue them through joint networks co-financed through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF); participating Member States, regions and cities will continue to play the leading role in the animation and work of the network.