91999E1708

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1708/99

by Hervé Novelli (PPE-DE) to the Council

(30 September 1999)

Subject: Inconsistency between European regional policy and the French authorities' decisions

The department of Indre-et-Loire is currently under consideration as regards the new zones for application of the reform of European regional policy. The commune of Nouâtre in the canton of Sainte-Maure, which used to be eligible under ERDF Objective 5(b), could now come under Objective 2.

However, at the same time, the French authorities have decided to close a large part of the Nouâtre military base, which employs about 400 people, including 250 civilians, which will be a severe blow to the local economy. For instance, the Nouâtre secondary school, which takes the children of employees at the base, may be threatened with closure in the fairly near future.

1. Does not the Council think that there is an unacceptable contradiction between its regional policy objectives in Indre-et-Loire and the French authorities' decision, taken without any consultation, concerning a commune in the same department?

2. Does not the Council think that it should intervene with the French Government to resolve this inconsistency?

3. More generally, does the Council know of other, similar cases and what measures will it take to prevent contradictions of this kind in the future?

Reply

(9 December 1999)

1. In June the Council adopted new rules on the Structural Funds, which set out the priority objectives, general principles and programming methodology for 2000-2006.

2. Under these rules, the Commission is responsible for ensuring the consistency of Objective 2 regional development strategies presented by the Member States with the objectives of Community regional policy.

It is not for the Council to intervene in this matter, nor to comment on the policies and internal decisions of Member States.