EU money well spent – New map of projects
Bankwatch Mail | 8 October 2012
Bankwatch, Friends of the Earth Europe and WWF have collaborated to produce a new map that illustrates some of the best practice Cohesion policy investments in infrastructure projects to be realised during the 2007-13 financial period.
This article is from Issue 53 of our quarterly newsletter Bankwatch Mail
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Taken from all over Europe, these successful projetcs vary in purpose from large scale energy generation projects, to those that help preserve biodiversity, through to localised transport schemes for small municipalities.
With a substantial budget of almost 350 billion euros for the period 2007-13, the EU’s Cohesion policy is a formidable investment tool for promoting regional development across the 27 member states. Looking forward to the next EU funding period in 2014-20, Cohesion policy should be all about creating opportunities to support projects that can bring about sustainable economic benefits while respecting our natural limits.
Well spent in Slovakia
Poľana region, Slovakia.
Project:
Bioenergy reconstruction of village boiler rooms.
Total investment:
7.2 million euros, 93 percent of which EU funded.
Results:
+ Increased energy independence
+ 67 percent saving on energy costs
+ 21 new jobs created
+ Decrease in greenhouse gas emissions of 2,643 tonnes per year
+ Successful community approach
The cases featured on the map inspire, thanks to the environmental best practice running through them and the many and varied benefits that are now flowing from them. These examples need to be in the minds of the future Cohesion policy architects.
Sustainable, effective and environmentally focused initiatives are out there – the task now is for future funds to multiply them all across the EU.
The map will soon be available online, with full descriptions of the successful projects, at: www.wellspent.eu
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