EMEO POLICY PRIORITIES

Cohesion and Regional Policy 2007-2013

Map image of EU enlargement Countries EU Cohesion Policy is aimed at supporting a balanced development of the regions, within a context of economic growth, competitiveness and employment across the EU. Following the provisional agreement on the EU’s budget for 2007-2013 under the UK Presidency in December 2005, detailed discussions are now underway to determine the priorities, financing and implementation of the programmes. EU Enlargement in May 2004 took the number of Member States up to 25, and also doubled the Union’s socio-economic disparities. To face these challenges, the proposed framework for cohesion policy has been redesigned in ways likely to impact on the East Midlands. EMEO has been closely following discussions, informing partners of all new developments and taking partners' views back to the EU.

Agriculture and Rural Development

The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) accounts for around 47% of the EU budget at present. The CAP has undergone significant reforms since 2002 and is likely to see more changes in coming years. This process will have a significant impact on beneficiary regions such as the East Midlands. Reforms agreed in 2003 place much more emphasis on rural development measures - encouraging farmers to adjust their businesses and land management methods. The East Midlands is highly rural and, as such, it is one of the region's objectives to help agricultural businesses move into new markets. Agriculture and rural development have always been a policy priority for EMEO, and the office works closely with partners to secure funds for our rural areas, such as for the installation of high-speed ICT infrastructure in rural Lincolnshire.

Research and Innovation

Excellence in research and innovation is a vital component of the Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs, and is a priority both for the EU and the East Midlands. In 2005 the European Commission unveiled its proposals for the European Research and Development programme for 2007-2013 – FP7. With a budget of potentially up to €70bn, it could be one of the most significant EU funding programmes in the future and of great interest to the region. The East Midlands boasts eight world-class universities, and several business clusters which require high levels of research and development, such as healthcare, food and drink, and environmental technologies. EMEO follows EU research policy and funding closely, and is working with the region on developing a strategy to maximise the region’s opportunities under FP7.

Competition Policy and State Aids

The East Midlands currently benefits from a particular status under EU State aid rules, allowing companies in certain parts of Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire to apply for government support without infringing EU regulations. The EU regional State aid rules will be reformed from 2007 to 2014 and, according to the review of the Regional Aid Guidelines, the EU is likely to move away from helping traditional industrial sectors and move towards achieving 'horizontal' objectives, such as increasing innovation. EMEO will continue to monitor developments, particularly with regard to their impact on future Structural and Cohesion Funds.

Environment and Sustainable Development

Conkers education centre Leicestershire

Sustainable Development can be defined simply as a better quality of life for everyone, now and in the future. It links balanced economic development with social justice, a high level of environmental protection and responsible use of natural resources. Both the East Midlands Integrated Regional Strategy and the Regional Economic Strategy stress the importance of mainstreaming sustainability into all aspects of the region's economic, enterprise, environmental and tourism policies. EMEO consults widely with partners on EU strategies such as the Sixth Environment Action Programme, and acts as Chair on the European environmental platform of regional offices, which provides partners the opportunity to influence EU environment policy.

Employment, Skills and Social Inclusion

Learning and Skills

The East Midlands is undergoing a drive to improve the region’s skills levels and quality of employment. The region is keen to learn from other European regions, and from the European Employment Strategy, effective ways of doing this. EMEO works closely with the region to support the partnership-based East Midlands Employment Skills and Productivity Partnership (ESP), which aims to tackle the ‘low pay-low skill’ equilibrium. EMEO also follows EU-wide work in relation to healthcare and pensions. Achieving social inclusion is central to regional objectives, and EMEO will continue to support partners working with the ENRICH network (European Network of Regions Improving Citizens’ Health).