European Commission adopts ‘Partnership Agreement’ with Luxembourg on using EU Structural and Investment Funds for growth and jobs in 2014-2020 - Hoofdinhoud
European Commission
Press release
Brussels, 29 October 2014
European Commission adopts ‘Partnership Agreement’ with Luxembourg on using EU Structural and Investment Funds for growth and jobs in 2014-2020
The European Commission has adopted a "Partnership Agreement" with Luxembourg setting down the strategy for the optimal use of European Structural and Investment Funds throughout the country. Today’s agreement paves the way for investing €101 million for rural development and €60 million in total Cohesion Policy funding over 2014‑2020 (current prices, including European Territorial Cooperation funding.
The EU investments aim to help tackle unemployment and boost competitiveness and economic growth through support to innovation, training and education in cities, towns and rural areas. They will also promote entrepreneurship, fight social exclusion and help to develop an environmentally friendly and a resource-efficient economy.
The European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) in Luxembourg are:
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Commenting on the adoption, Commissioner for Regional Policy, Johannes Hahn said:
"Today we have adopted a vital investment plan that sets Luxembourg on the path to jobs and growth for the next 10 years. This Partnership Agreement reflects the European Commission and Luxembourg's joint determination to make the most efficient use of EU funding. Our investments must be strategic, according to the new Cohesion Policy- focusing on the real economy, on sustainable growth and investing in people. But we must focus on quality not speed in the coming months, as we plan the investments from the European Structural and Investment Funds in 2014-2020. Commitment is needed on all sides to ensure good quality programmes are put in place.”
Commissioner Hahn added: "This investment strategy builds on the contribution which Luxembourg is already making to help the EU meet its goals of competitiveness and innovation of SMEs. This will help to create more sustainable jobs. Luxembourg now has a firm base in this Partnership Agreement that gives strategic direction to future programmes that aim to enhance innovation and Luxembourg's growing reputation in supporting emerging high-tech business, also investing in the shift towards a low carbon economy and environmental protection. The European Structural and Investment Funds are helping, together with Luxembourg's own national investments, to face these challenges."
Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, László Andor said:
"I congratulate Luxembourg on the adoption of the Partnership Agreement and thank Luxembourg’s authorities for their good cooperation in preparing it. Luxembourg will benefit from €20 million from the European Social Fund in 2014-20, to be invested in line with the Europe 2020 targets on employment and poverty reduction. This money will be used to tackle unemployment, in particular youth unemployment, by raising the qualifications and skills of young people and job seekers, particularly those with a migrant background, and by better matching supply and demand on the labour market. This will also mean improving equal access to lifelong learning to all age categories to help to keep older workers in the work force longer."
Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dacian Cioloş said:
“ Rural Development is a vital pillar of our Common Agricultural Policy, addressing elements relating to economic, environmental and social issues in rural areas, but in a way which allows Member States to design programmes suitable for their own specific situations and priorities. With this Partnership Agreement, we see how Luxembourg is coordinating its approach for Rural Development with the plans for the other EU structural funds, to get a greater efficiency in the use of EU taxpayers’ money.”
More information:
MEMO on Partnership Agreements and Operational Programmes
Cohesion Policy and Luxembourg
European Commission-Luxembourg Partnership Agreement and Summary
Contacts : Shirin Wheeler (+32 460 76 65 65) - Jonathan Todd (+32 4989 94107)
Roger Waite (+32 4989 61404) - Helene Banner (+32 4607 52407)
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