By Martin Banks - 12th December 2007
EU member states have devoted a “significant” proportion of resources on meeting Lisbon agenda priorities.
So says EU regional affairs commissioner Danuta Hübner, who said that some €347 billion of structural and cohesion funds had been earmarked for Lisbon-related objectives.
The much-vaunted Lisbon agenda aims to make the EU the most competitive and dynamic economic by the end of the decade.
Much of this amount has been invested in Lisbon 'priorities', such as the knowledge economy, research, development and innovation, she said.
The Polish official was speaking at a news conference in Brussels on Wednesday where she gave an overview of national strategies and the 400-plus Lisbon-related programmes undertaken by each of the EU’s 27 member states.
“The analysis proves that European cohesion policy is the main means for delivering the Lisbon agenda for growth and jobs,” said Hübner.
“The new generation of programmes will boost investment in up-to-date technologies and will improve skills, helping regions move up the value chain to produce high-quality goods and services that can compete in the global marketplace.
“That is precisely the aim of the EU’s Lisbon strategy, and new investment supported by cohesion policy will make it a reality.”
She added, “The commitments taken by member states and regions are extremely encouraging.
“The commission will now work closely with member states in an effort to achieve results that meet the high expectations of our citizens."
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