Grensoverschrijdend Operationeel Programma Oostenrijk-Slovenië 2007-2013 (en)

• 1. 

  “Austria-Slovenia Cross-border Cooperation Programme” – Operational Programme under the European Territorial Cooperation Objective, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
• 2. 

  Overview

On 21 December 2007, the European Commission approved a Cross-border Cooperation Operational Programme between Slovenia and Austria for the period 2007-13. The Programme involves providing Community support as part of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for specific Austrian and Slovenian regions that lie along their common border.

The core programme area includes the Austrian regions of Oststeiermark West and Südsteiermark, Klagenfurt – Villach, Unterkärnten and Südburgenland, along with the Slovenian regions of Gorenjsko, Koroško, Savinjsko, Podravsko and Pomursko. All of the above are classed as NUTS III regions. The areas of Graz, Obersteiermark Ost, Obersteiermark West and Oberkärnten in Austria and Osrednjeslovensko in Slovenia may take part in projects as an adjacent area, i.e. receiving a maximum 20% of the ERDF funding allocated to the Programme.

The Operational Programme falls within the framework laid out for the European Territorial Cooperation Objective and has a total budget of around €79 million. Community funding through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) amounts to some €67 million, which represents approximately 0.8% of the total EU investment earmarked for the European Territorial Cooperation Objective under the Cohesion Policy 2007-13.

• 3. 

  Purpose and aim of the programme

The main challenges for cross-border cooperation between the two countries are to:

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  contribute to the sustainable development and economic integration of the cooperation area, bearing in mind the different levels of development that exist in the regions; and
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  increase the profile of the programme area and boost its international competitiveness by taking advantage of its strategic location, development potential and innovative capacities.

The Programme must also take advantage of the development opportunities that have emerged since Slovenia’s accession to the EU and prepare for the suspension of transnational provisions in the Austrian labour market.

To address these issues, the Programme aims to increase competitiveness in key economic sectors such as tourism and agriculture. It also seeks to improve the research and knowledge base and upgrade local infrastructure. In addition, the programme intends to improve education and employment opportunities and increase quality of life by promoting cooperation in fields such as culture, health and social affairs.

In addition, support will be provided to promote sustainable cross-border projects, particularly in environmental areas like renewable energy and the management of natural resources.

• 4. 

  Expected impact of the investment

The Operational Programme aims to develop a competitive and sustainable cooperation area that offers greater access to work and income opportunity. It should also have a positive impact on areas such as:

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  rural development and tourism;
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  the preservation and conservation of natural and cultural assets;
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  the promotion of regional and cultural identity; and
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  the strengthening of health cooperation and regional development.

In addition, the Programme aims to create better cross-border transport connections and support environmental protection measures. Work will also focus on improving management capacities and encouraging institutional networking.

• 5. 

  Priorities

The Programme is structured around the following priorities:

Priority 1: Competitiveness, knowledge and economic cooperation [approximately 42.2% of the total budget]

This priority focuses on raising competitiveness through cross-border cooperation and intends to tackle the various challenges that can hamper transition to a knowledge-based economy.

Boosting competitiveness and economic growth should produce more employment opportunities in the participating regions. The Programme also aims to reduce development disparities and thus contribute to the economic and social integration of the cross-border area.

Priority 2: Sustainable and balance development [approximately 51.8% of the total budget]

The aim here is to contribute to the sustainable and balanced development of the Programme area by securing and activating the region’s environmental, social and cultural resources. This priority also seeks to improve the quality of cross-border cooperation at local and regional levels.

Priority 3: Technical assistance [approximately 6.0% of the total budget]

Technical assistance is available to help implement the Programme. Financial support can cover administration, monitoring, evaluation and control.

• 6. 

  Managing Authority: Government Office for Local Self-Government and Regional Policy, Maribor, Slovenia

Contact details:

Ms. Monika Kirbis

Government Office for Local Self-Government and Regional Policy

Kotnikova 28

SI-1000 Ljubljana

Slovenia

Telephone: +386 1 400 55 61

Fax: +386 1 400 55 40

E-mail: Monika.Kirbis@gov.si

• 7. 

  Title: “Cross-border Cooperation Operational Programme Austria-Slovenia 2007-2013”

Intervention type: Operational Programme

CCI No.: 2007CB163PO054

No. of decision: C/2007/6607

Final approval date: 21/12/2007

• 8. 

  Breakdown of finances by priority (in euros)