The Commission Approves New Programs Signaling the Change of Cohesion Policy in Portugal

A signing ceremony and public presentation of 10 operational programs takes place in Lisbon. These programs will guide the action of Cohesion Policy in Portugal for the period 2007-2013 and will lead to European investments of 20.9 billion euros. The new strategy will focus on human resources, innovation and technology, business development and territorial cohesion. As priorities, the programs will contribute to the completion of trans-European transport networks (TEN-T), improving energy efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions, promoting business participation in research and development (R&D) and the regeneration of degraded urban areas. The “Competitiveness factors” program will increase the availability of microcredits for businesses, particularly through the new European initiative “JEREMIE” (Joint European Resources for Micro to Medium Enterprises).
In total, for the period 2007-2013, Portugal will benefit from 21.5 billion euros for the implementation of Cohesion Policy.