Evaluating impact on certain regions
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Contents
Scope
Will the option have a specific impact on certain regions, for instance in terms of jobs created or lost?[1]
Definition
In a world where trade is conducted on a global scale, there is increasing competition between the different territories and their activities, both inside the European Union and elsewhere. But not all regions enjoy the same economic, social and geographic conditions, and not all can compete on an equal footing.[1]
For many years, the regional disparities in levels of development and standards of living - which existed well before the Community was created - were dealt with entirely by the Member States concerned. There have been clear improvements since the European Union started trying to reduce these disparities: average per capita income in the three least prosperous countries (Greece, Portugal and Spain) increased from 68% of the Community average to 79% in 1999. But substantial differences remain, and the gross domestic product (GDP) of the ten most dynamic regions is still almost three times higher than that of the ten least developed regions. The EU's regional policy is still needed to encourage harmonious development of the Community's territory. It must enable all the regions in the Union to benefit fully from the opportunities offered by the single market and contribute to the success of economic and monetary union (EMU).[1]
Above all, EU regional policy is about solidarity: it is designed to provide Community-level assistance to help the most disadvantaged regions overcome their handicaps. Between 2000 and 2006, one third of the Community budget (213 billion), made up of contributions from the Member States, will be spent on the regional policy, and thereby redistributed to the regions which most need it. The Member States, through their own regional aid schemes, and the European Union will continue their efforts to reduce the development gaps, help convert declining industrial regions, diversify activity in the countryside and upgrade declining urban areas.
Regional policy is also tangible: its results can be clearly seen by Europe's citizens, who themselves benefit directly from assistance in the form of help to find work and adapt to the changing job market, through training in particular. It improves the lives of all who live in the regions by augmenting the funding available to the public authorities for providing new infrastructure and helping firms become more competitive. Motorways, airports and some high-speed rail links have been built or renovated with part-financing from European Funds, known as the Structural Funds, and always in compliance with European environmental standards. Small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) are being set up and helped to stay in business in remote regions. The information society is infiltrating the most isolated rural areas. New education, health and leisure facilities are being set up in rehabilitated suburbs. All these are tangible examples showing the man and woman on the street how the Union is working for them. [1]
Result
Other information:
Indicators:
The following Eurostat Structural Indicators (Economic Reform) are relevant to address the key question:
- Business demography (Birth rate/Survival rate/death rate)
- GDP per Capita in PPS (Purchasing Power Standards)
- Real GDP Growth Rate[1]
The following Eurostat Sustainable Development Indicators (Economic Development) are relevant to address the key question:
- Total employment rate
- Total employment rate, by gender
- Total employment rate, by highest level of education
- Total unemployment rate, by gender
- Total unemployment rate, by age group
- Dispersion of regional employment rates[1]
Eurostat's General and Regional Statistics Portal gives access to a rich database of regional statistics[1]
See also
References
This text is for information only and is not designed to interpret or replace any reference documents. The text is partially adapted from:
