Programme description
The European Commission has decided to contribute actively to the development of Limburg by part-financing the Objective 2 programme for the 2000-2006 period. Structural Funds assistance will amount to EUR 92.7 million out of a total budget of EUR 240.4 million.
Eligible areas / Contact / Financial tables 1. Action PrioritiesThe programme contains 3 priorities and technical assistance measures.Priority 1: Supporting business and employmentPlanned measures will provide support for SMEs as a means of correcting the structural imbalance in the local economy, which is dominated by a single sector, and remedying the lack of entrepreneurship in the region. Technology and innovation will be encouraged, particularly through the sharing of know-how and networking. Specific aid will also be provided for diversification and modernisation of tourist amenities.Priority 2: Optimising overall conditionsThe main thrust will be on creating optimal economic conditions. Measures concern business infrastructure and the environment, e.g. the decontamination of polluted sites, waste processing and the promotion of energy efficiency. The accessibility of large urban areas will also be improved.Priority 3: Integrated rural development of HaspengouwThis priority will finance measures for the economic diversification of Haspengouw through the promotion of rural tourism and more diversified use of agricultural holdings. The region will also be made more appealing through village renovation and encouragement for the development of services in small towns.Technical assistance: Measures are also planned for programme management, publicity, follow-up, monitoring and evaluation. 2. Description of the eligible areasThe programme concerns the former mining area situated in the Hasselt district and the rural region of Haspengouw, in Tongeren. The two areas have 253 000 inhabitants out of a total of 784 000 in Limburg. The population is significantly younger than in Flanders as a whole and includes a high number of immigrants. SMEs play a key role in the province, accounting for 69% of jobs in industry and services and over 90% in building and public works, the retail trade and the furniture industry. In contrast, the automotive industry, while quite large, is limited to a few big companies. Industry is heavily export-based, with 77% of turnover earned abroad. The automotive industry ranks first, followed by non-ferrous ores.Limburg�s unemployment rate of 8% is slightly below the Belgian average, but well above the average for Flanders. In the areas eligible for Objective 2, the jobless rate is above average for the province at 11.3%. Unemployment among women runs twice as high as among men in Limburg.
3. Management and contact detailsThe Ministry of the Flemish Community is the Managing Authority for the Objective 2 programme and is responsible for co-ordinating all those involved in implementing the programme and organising meetings of the Monitoring Committee.The programme Management Committee includes representatives of the Flemish Executive, the province, local authorities and the social partners.
Financial information
Breakdown of finances by priority axis
| Priority Axis | EU Investment | National Public Contribution | Total Public Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fostering initiatives for the benefit of businesses and employment | 54.295.246,00 | 124.837.608,00 | 143.436.430,00 |
| Optimisation of the environment | 31.412.308,00 | 70.174.785,00 | 79.269.010,00 |
| Integrated rural development in Hainaut | 8.120.000,00 | 22.204.286,00 | 23.200.000,00 |
| Technical assistance | 2.765.000,00 | 5.530.000,00 | 5.530.000,00 |
| Total | 96.592.554,00 | 222.746.679,00 | 251.435.440,00 |