(2004/C 65 E/274)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3033/03

by Marianne Thyssen (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(8 October 2003)

Subject:   Structural Funds — Objective 2 region — province of Limburg, Belgium

On 1 October 2003, the European board of the automobile manufacturer Ford announced the company's plans to reorganise its European production network. The production capacity of Ford's plant in Genk (province of Limburg, Belgium) is to be cut drastically in the near future, with disastrous social consequences, given that 3 000 employees will lose their jobs. Job losses in firms supplying components are put at many thousands. This represents a further severe blow to the economic and social fabric of the province of Limburg.

In the past, the Commission recognised the province of Limburg as an Objective 2 region (involving three priorities and nine measures) and approved a development programme for the province for the period 2000-2006 funded in the amount of EUR 214 million. Measures and projects can be implemented on the basis of financial support from the European Regional Development Funds (ERDF) and the European Social Fund (ESF).

Can the Commission state what scope there is for releasing additional financial resources with a view to tackling more promptly the structural, economic and social problems facing the province of Limburg? Has the Commission received a request to that effect from the Flemish Government? Does the Commission itself intend to take such a step?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(3 November 2003)

On 28 June 2001 the Commission approved the single programming document for the province of Limburg under Objective 2 for 2000-2006 covering a total cost of EUR 240 482 000. The municipality of Genk is covered by this programme.

The Structural Fund contribution is EUR 92 696 000, i.e. 38 % of total programme expenditure.

The first priority under the programme (‘Initiatives to promote the economy and employment’), for example, accounts for more than 50 % of total expenditure, which should enable the region's restructuring problems to be addressed. However, in line with the principle of subsidiarity, the managing authority for the programme (in this case the Ministry of the Flemish Community) has sole responsibility for selecting those projects which it wishes to approve, taking account of the purpose of the measures and budget availability.

It should also be pointed out that the region is also eligible for part of the ESF funding granted under the Objective 3 programme for the Flemish Region. This programme includes measures for the reintegration and training of those seeking employment and training for those already in work. The ESF contribution for this is EUR 376,2 million out of a total budget of EUR 894 million over the period 2000-2006.

As regards the possibility of releasing additional Community financial resources, there is a performance reserve of 4 % of the commitment appropriations provided for in each national allocation. The reserve is assigned to programmes on the basis of an assessment of their performance in terms of their impact on the ground using indicators reflecting effectiveness, management and financial implementation.