Funding sources: introduction

Background

‘Throughout the development stages of the European Union the ideal of closer co-operation between states for the mutual benefit of all has remained a key component. The Community was set the task of ‘promoting the harmonious development of economic activities, continuous and balanced expansion, increased stability, a rapid rise in living standards and closer relations between its Member States’. As a result, European integration has delivered half a century of stability, peace and economic prosperity. It has helped to raise standards of living, built an internal market, launched the euro and strengthened the Union’s voice in the world.

‘It soon became apparent that stronger economic and social cohesion was a sine qua non for solidarity between the Member States. This is why a regional policy and a social policy were introduced, and these grew in importance as new members joined the Community.’ (Europe in Ten Points: Pascal Fontaine [ 1 ])

Using contributions from Member States tax revenues the Community sets aside funds for measures aimed at:

developing regions whose development is lagging behind,
promoting new activities in declining industrial areas,
helping the long-term unemployed,
making it easier for young people to find employment,
modernising agriculture and assisting poor rural areas.

This money is mainly channeled through Structural and Cohesion Funds. These funds have become the key instrument of economic and social policy that gives expression to intra-Community solidarity.

To help the Union fulfil its wider role the Community also supports actions such as Research and Technology Development (RTD), Structural Development of Applicant States, Environmental Protection, Art, Culture and Assistance for the Third World.

The Role of Regional Authorities

Regional political and administrative entities are key to the effective distribution of the Structure Funds. They are close enough to the citizen to understand their needs and how to meet them, whilst at the same time being tied into National government frameworks and having reliable and democratic administrative systems. Regional Authorities can also play a pro-active role in areas beyond the national implementation of Structure Funds. They can encourage and support local entities to become involved in activities such as European Research (RTD), disseminating information about the Union’s activities and becoming involved in special actions initiated by individual DGs of the Commission. (DGs or Directorates General, are the main administrative departments of the Commission.)

More information on the structural policy is available on the site of the Directorate General for Regional Policy.

General Information Sources

The Commission provides a wide range of information sources throughout the Union. These include:

Europe Direct: a service to help you find answers to your questions about the European Union. Freephone Number: 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11
National Information Centres On Europe (3)
Info-Points Europe (140)
Rural information carrefours (129)
European documentation centres (544)
EuroInfo Centres (258) For businesses:
Euroguichets (15) For consumers:
Team Europe Network of speakers (550)

Contact details for all these resources can be found on the Commission website Europa. (You can select your own language from the top of this page.)

Note:

[1] Pascal Fontaine, chef de cabinet of the President of the European Parliament from 1984 to 1987. [back]

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