92000E4051

WRITTEN QUESTION E-4051/00

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(9 January 2001)

Subject: Inclusion of Naousa in the URBAN initiative

The aim of the URBAN initiative is the economic and social regeneration of cities and neighbourhoods in crisis with a population of between 20 and 50 000 inhabitants. Naousa is a town whose inhabitants have been hit by poverty and unemployment since the 1990s, with long-term unemployment standing at 40 %. This situation has come about through the closure or below-capacity working of the town's large textile plants, with firms in the fruit and vegetable picking and packaging business experiencing the same difficulties, particularly following the crisis in Yugoslavia.

Given the above situation in Naousa, will the Commission say:

1. whether the town can be included in the URBAN initiative, and

2. whether the regional programme for western Macedonia under the 3rd Community Support Framework includes funding for measures for Naousa and, if so, what sum has been allocated? What was the total amount of funding for measures for Naousa from the regional programme for western Macedonia under the 2nd Community Support Framework?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(20 February 2001)

In Annex II to its communication laying down guidelines for a Community initiative concerning economic and social regeneration of cities and of neighbourhoods in crisis in order to promote sustainable urban development (URBAN II)(1), the Commission fixed the indicative number of urban areas to be covered in each Member State. Following a ministerial request, it increased the number for Greece from two to three.

To date, the Commission has officially received no URBAN II programmes from Greece.

The operational programme (OP) for central Macedonia during the period 2000-2006 includes substantial finance for major assistance in the field of urban development. The share of appropriations which the town of Naousa could enjoy is a matter for the Greek authorities.

During the 1994-1999 programming period, under the OP for central Macedonia, a total of 58 million was allocated to part-finance projects and measures to develop the prefecture of Imathia, which includes Naousa; these will have a positive effect on the town.

(1) OJ C 141, 19.5.2000.