Greece
Programmes summaries :
Operational programme 2007-13: Improvement of Accessibility
1. Operational Programme “Improvement of Accessibility" - Programme under the Convergence objective co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
2. Overview
On 10 October 2007, the European Commission approved an Operational Programme for Greece for the period 2007-13. The programme "Improvement of Accessibility" involves Community support for eight Greek regions: Epirus, Thessaly, Eastern Macedonia, Ionian Islands, Western Greece, Peloponnesus, Crete and North Aegean.
The Operational Programme falls within the framework laid out for the Convergence objective and has a total budget of around €4.976 billion. Community assistance through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Cohesion Fund amounts to some €3.7 billion, which represents approximately 18.45% of the total EU money invested in Greece under Cohesion policy 2007-13.
3. Purpose and aim of the programme
Continued investment in transport infrastructures is necessary in Greece in order to complete trans-European road and rail networks, develop missing links and regional axes, promote public transport and ensure balanced development of the different transport modes. The Operational Programme aims to improve transport infrastructure in Greece as well as its international connections. It will therefore have a decisive role in enhancing the attractiveness and accessibility of Greece's remote and landlocked regions and also in improving its position in terms of international transport.
The "Improvement of Accessibility" Operational Programme cuts across less developed and more prosperous regions in Greece and should therefore promote territorial cohesion by ensuring consistency and complementarity of structural interventions with other Operational Programmes.
The Operational Programme pays close attention to environmental concerns that should be addressed through appropriately designed new projects, increased efficiency of transport networks as well as measures promoting cleaner transport, particularly in major urban zones. In addition, the Programme gives priority to promoting safety among the different transport modes and networks.
4. Expected impact of the investments
The "Improvement of Accessibility" Operational Programme will provide strong support to the Lisbon agenda for jobs and growth by contributing to bridge the transport infrastructure gap between Greece and more developed regions in Europe. As much as 86.58% of the investments available under the programme are earmarked for Lisbon priorities. Furthermore, the programme aims to attract €1.8 billion of private investments through a series of motorway concession agreements designed to complete the basic motorway network on the country's mainland by 2015.
5. Priorities
The Operational Programme sets out two strategic objectives:
- Improvement of accessibility of the country's regions at European, national and regional level through the development of transport infrastructures (road, rail, maritime, air and public transport);
- Improvement of the quality of transport services with emphasis on reducing the time and cost of movements, transport safety and the level of service.
The Operational Programme "Improvement of Accessibility" is structured along the following priority axes:
Priority 1: Road transport infrastructures [approximately 58.8% of total amount of funding]
Specific objectives of this priority include:
- development of Trans-European Networks (TENs);
- development of the secondary regional network, including the development of road links with the main gates of entry to the country.
Priority 2: Rail and combined transport infrastructures [approximately 19.5 % of total amount of funding]
Specific objectives of this priority include:
- development and modernisation of the rail network;
- construction and completion of the trans-European PATHE/P (Patras-Athens-Thessalonica) corridor offering high speed transport of 160 km/h with double electrified lines and signalling and the development of multimodal transport along this axis.
Priority 3: Public urban transport [approximately 11.1 % of total amount of funding]
The objective of this priority is to develop the public urban transport system in the Athens/Piraeus area with a view to developing mobility, improving the attractiveness of public transport, offering quality of services and promoting a cleaner environment.
Priority 4: Air and maritime transport infrastructures [approximately 7.4 % of total amount of funding]
Greece has an extensive network of ports (155) and airports (41). The specific objectives of this priority include:
- improvements in the maritime transport system through the development of appropriate passenger and freight port infrastructures;
- development of regional airports.
Priority 5: Road safety and safety of transport networks [ approximately 1.2% of total amount of funding]
The objective of this priority is to improve the quality of transport networks and services. This part of the Operational Programme assigns particular importance to issues of safety and traffic management.
Priority 6: Technical assistance [approximately 1.1 % of total amount of funding]
In order to implement the programme, financial support is being made available to cover administration, monitoring and controls.
Operational programme 2007-13: Environment and Sustainable Development
1. Operational Programme "Environment and Sustainable Development" 2007-2013: Programme under the Convergence objective, co-funded by ERDF and Cohesion Fund
2. Overview
On 5 November 2007, the European Commission approved the operational programme "Environment and Sustainable Development" in Greece for the period 2007-2013. This programme involves Community support through the ERDF for eight Greek regions under the "Convergence" objective ("phasing out" regions are not included), and through the Cohesion Fund which intervenes all over the country including the "phasing out" and "phasing in" areas.
The total budget of the programme is EUR 2.250 million. The Community investment through the ERDF amounts to EUR 220 million and EUR 1.580 million through the Cohesion Fund.
3. Purpose and aim of the EU investment
Under the previous programming periods considerable amounts have been invested to cover the major environmental infrastructure needs in Greece. Despite that, a sizeable deficit remains. On the other hand, sustainable development presents opportunities to incorporate the environmental dimension in the design of different thematic policies in conformity with Community legislation.
The objective for 2007-2013 is not just the incorporation of the EU environmental law into national legislation, but the pursuit of a genuine convergence to the European environmental "acquis communautaire" in order to deal with the real needs concerning the environmental protection and the development of a model leading to sustainable development.
The principal environmental interventions in Greece for the period 2007-2013 relate to integrated solid waste management, a rational use of water resources, modern waste water facilities, protection of natural resources and the efficient tackling of environmental risks (e.g. desertification, droughts, fires and floods, marine pollution). It will contribute to economic growth through a more efficient use of resources, such as re-use, recycling and recovery of waste. The programme will support interventions which, in addition to the investments in the sectors of energy and transport to be covered by other national programmes, will contribute to combating climate change.
4. Expected impact of the investments
For example the expected impact in the field of solid waste infrastructure in the regions of intervention is that 100% of the population will be served, 100% of population will also be served by waste water treatment plans for B and C agglomerations in particular. In the field of sustainable transport 430.000 persons more will be served in Northern Greece, while it is expected that the greenhouse gases will be reduced to 0,003%. In the field of environmental risk prevention it is foreseen that anti-flood works will cover 539km of protected catchments areas while eight (8) fire brigade departments will be reinforced. In the field of biodiversity 50% of the Natura 2000 sites will be fully protected with the adequate management plans.
Finally the new programme will ensure the boost of the different environmental services in order to improve the efficiency of the public administration in implementing the environmental policy and will ensure the realisation of a series of awareness and awareness campaigns.
5. Priorities
Eleven priorities are defined in this programme. Five (5) of those fall under the Cohesion Fund and six (6) fall under the ERDF. In particular:
A. COHESION FUND
Priority 1: Air & rural transports, climate change, renewable energy sources (RES)
The strategic objective of this priority axis relates to energy saving, promotion of RES and support the autonomy and security supply of energy by the use of RES. In addition, it will promote sustainable transport infrastructures combating climate change.
Priority 2- Protection & management of water resources
The main objective of this priority is to protect effectively the quality of water discharges in line with the water waste directive (91/271) and to provide sufficient and quality water supply to big agglomerations and tourist areas including areas which face severe water problems due to lack of rainfall.
Priority 3 - prevention of environmental risks
This priority aims at supporting infrastructure for preventing and dealing with environmental risks especially in the field of anti-flood works.
Priority 4 - solid waste & protection of soil
The fundamental objective of this priority is to implement efficiently the Regional Solid Waste Management Plans (RSWMP) which foresees a mix of policy measures to reduce waste production, encourage reuse and recycling, and proceed with an integrated management of the biodegradable and safe disposal of the produced waste into landfills. It includes the expansion and completion of the Alternative Solid Waste Management Systems (SEDA) for paper, glass, aluminium, electronic equipment, end of life vehicles, etc., so as to meet the targets set by Community legislation. In addition, in synergy with the regional operational programmes, it is planned to reduce the quantities of the produced waste disposed in landfills and to encourage recycling and composting.
Priority 5- technical assistance
The objective is to provide support to the Managing Authority this programme and to the final beneficiaries in implementing efficiently the programme and the projects.
B. EUROPEAN REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUND
Priority 6 - Air and climate change
The objective of this priority is to protect the air pollution caused by gas emissions. This will be pursued by carrying out strategic studies and creating the necessary tools and mechanisms to implement effectively the national legislation. Measures aiming at systematic monitoring and recording of air quality are also programmed.
Priority 7 - Water resources management
The fundamental objective of this priority is to ensure the rational and sustainable management of water resources. This will be further pursued by fully implementing the water directive 60/2000. To this end, monitoring programmes, management plans per basin including measures to ensure an effective implementation and follow up are some of the necessary actions planned.
Priority 8 - prevention of environmental risks
The objective is to support and improve the efficiency of public administration in dealing with environmental risks through the set up of a fully developed civil protection network focusing on prevention which would provide the possibility for immediate reaction and prompt intervention. To meet this objective, mainly anti-flood works and anti-fire interventions including anti-earthquake actions are defined. Besides, particular attention will be paid in dealing with big technological accidents.
Priority 9 - Nature protection and biodiversity
The strategic objective of this priority axis is to protect nature and biodiversity. This will be pursued by protecting the biotopes, setting up and supporting the management bodies in charge of the protected areas and sites of environmental significance including the protection of birds.
Priority 10 - Institutions
The aim is to improve the administrative efficiency and capacity of the Ministry of Environment and other environmental bodies in charge in implementing and promoting the environmental policy. In addition, actions are foreseen to stimulate and encourage the participation of all actors, from business and citizens to NGOs and social partners, in ensuring the diffusion of environment information for the benefit of the citizen at large.
Priority 11 - Technical Assistance
The objective is to provide support to the Managing authority of this programme and to the final beneficiaries in implementing the programme and the projects.
6. Managing Authority for the Operational Programme "Environment and Sustainable Development" 2007-2013
Ministry of the Environment
Amaliados 17
GR-115 23 Ampelokipi, Athens.
Operational programme 2007-2013: Attica region
1. Operational programme for Community assistance from the European Regional Development Fund under the "Convergence" objective in the Attica region
2. Overview
On 5 November 2007 the European Commission adopted the Operational programme for Community assistance from the European Regional Development Fund under the "Convergence" objective in the Attica region.
The total cost (= public expenditure) of the programme is EUR 3.05 billion, of which the Community contribution (ERDF) is EUR 2.4 billion (maximum ERDF cofinancing of 79.91%), while the national contribution provided for is EUR 613 million.
3. Strategic objectives and priorities of the Operational Programme
The strategic objective of the programme is to develop Athens as a metropolitan and international centre in south-eastern Europe while at the same time addressing the infrastructural weaknesses of both Athens and the Attica region. This programme is in line with the new town-planning policy for the region.
The programme has the following four strategic objectives:
- making the region more attractive,
- improving quality of life and environmental protection,
- improving the competitiveness of the region's economy,
- creating more and better jobs.
59% of the resources allocated under the ERDF will focus on what are known as the Lisbon priorities (in accordance with the strategy for growth and jobs defined by the Member States in 2000).
4. Estimated impact of European Union investment
Community financing should help to create 2 380 jobs by supporting businesses and to grant some 15 patents. It is also planned to increase the number of daily tram users by more than 30 000 by developing public transport. It is also intended to:
- increase to 95% the percentage of the region's population whose waste water will be treated by a sewage treatment plant, thanks to projects to be set up in the east of the region;
- increase to 51% the percentage of the population with access to primary care centres, thanks to the construction of new health centres;
- increase to 20% the percentage of the region's population who will use public e-services.
5. Priorities
The operational programme is divided into five priority areas.
Priority 1: Strengthening infrastructure relating to accessibility and energy
By focusing on strengthening the urban transport network, developing combined transport, extending regional and trans-European road links and supporting energy and electricity projects, this priority is in keeping with the European and national objectives in these areas.
Priority 2: Sustainable development and improving quality of life
This priority aims to:
- improve the water management system and the solid and liquid waste management system, protect aquatic resources, promote environmental biodiversity, prevent physical and technological risks;
- improve health and social infrastructure (crèches), promote digital services among the public and improve education facilities as well as those related to culture and tourism.
Priority 3: Improving competitiveness, innovation and digital convergence
Tasks to be promoted in the Attica region in order to make its economy more competitive include greater use of information and communication technology (ICT) in businesses, knowledge transfer for the creation of innovative products, support for technology transfer to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), support for investment in businesses directly involved in research and innovation, the networking of SMEs, assistance for SMEs in the use of modern financing instruments, incentives for "green" entrepreneurship and improved IT services for tourism.
Priority 4: Regeneration of urban regions
This objective covers both the renovation of deprived areas, by focusing in particular on the development of parks, and the urban and socio-economic regeneration of suburbs which have development potential. The promotion of activities related to culture, tourism and entrepreneurship is also to be taken into consideration.
Priority 5: Technical assistance
The aim is to carry out studies and take measures to introduce, monitor and evaluate the 2007-2013 programme, promote the sharing of experiences and undertake publicity and information activities among beneficiaries and inhabitants of the region.
6. Managing authority:
Ministry of Economy and Finance
Special service for the management of regional programmes
Nikis 5-7 – Syntagma
GR-101 80 – ATHENS
Tel.: + 30 210 333 20 00
Website: http://www.mnec.gr
Operational Programme 2007-13: Competitiveness and Entrepreneurship
1. Operational Programme "Competitiveness and Entrepreneurship" - Programme under the Convergence objective co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
2. Overview
On 26 October 2007, the European Commission approved an Operational Programme for Greece for the period 2007-13. The programme "Competitiveness and Entrepreneurship" involves Community support for Greek regions that are eligible under the Convergence objective (Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Thessaly, Ipeirus, Western Greece, Peloponnese, Ionian Islands, Crete and North Aegean; the “Phasing-out” regions are not included).
The Operational Programme falls within the framework laid out for the Convergence objective and has a total budget of around €1.519 billion. Community assistance through the ERDF amounts to some €1.291 billion, which represents approximately 6.32% of the total EU money invested in Greece under Cohesion policy 2007-13.
3. Purpose and aim of the programme
The competitiveness of the Greek economy has shown marked signs of improvement in recent years, reversing long-term trends. Despite an improvement in the trade balance, the Greek economy is still marked by low levels of cross-border mobility as well as low levels of research, technological development and innovation. Added to that, many small and micro enterprises encounter difficulties when they attempt to expand.
The overarching goal of this programme is to improve competitiveness and entrepreneurship and to increase the cross-border mobility of the Greek production system (with an emphasis on innovation). The programme will see interventions in the fields of industry, services, trade, consumer protection, research and technology, energy, tourism and culture, and aims to produce positive results in terms of development for the entire Greek economy.
4. Expected impact of the investments
The programme will contribute to research and development (R&D), a sector which will make up 1.5% of GDP by the end of the programming period, through both its direct contribution of public funds and the mobilisation of private money. It will also play a central role in Greece meeting its commitments under the Kyoto agreement.
5. Priorities
The Operational Programme "Improvement of Accessibility" is structured along the following priorities:
Priority 1: Creation and development of innovation, supported by research and technological development [15.1 % of total amount of funding]
This priority aims to accelerate the transition to a knowledge economy by developing innovation and strengthening the roles of research and technology in the country’s production sectors. It focuses on the concept of innovation being the main factor behind development and competitiveness in the Greek economy and society. The priority aims to contribute to increasing the percentage of national income spent on research and technological development.
Priority 2: Support for entrepreneurship and cross-border mobility [35.1 % of total amount of funding]
This priority seeks to increase outward-looking entrepreneurship as a means of upgrading production in Greece towards high value-added goods and services offering quality, environmental awareness, knowledge and innovation. It also aims to increase foreign direct investment in the Greek economy and to encourage support for the competitive presence of Greek companies on national and foreign markets. Actions will focus on small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), but will also include tourism, where emphasis will be put on increasing alternative and special forms of tourism.
Priority 3: Improvement of the entrepreneurial environment [21.5 % of total amount of funding]
The existence of an appropriate and healthy environment in support of entrepreneurship is a vital factor for flourishing entrepreneurship and reduced entrepreneurial risk. The aim of this priority axis is to work towards achieving this. Actions will notably seek to modernise financial tools and improve the financial services available to businesses, in addition to ensuring appropriate conditions for free markets to operate in by supporting features such as one stop shops, infrastructures and development tools. Actions in the field of consumer protection will also be funded. Overall, this priority seeks to strengthen market competitiveness and increase investment possibilities.
Priority 4: Completion of the country’s energy system and support for sustainability [26.0% of total amount of funding]
The aim of this priority is to secure the Greek energy supply alongside meeting environmental targets, to support energy market liberalisation and to integrate electricity and natural gas transportation into large international networks. Actions under this priority will contribute to meeting Greece's Kyoto objectives. They will aim to wean Greece off relying on oil by supporting energy networks of natural gas and alternative energy sources. Actions in the field of energy efficiency will also be a key feature of these efforts. The priority will take account of Greece's geostrategic position with a view to ensuring security of supply.
Priority 5: Technical assistance [2.3 % of total amount of funding]
Operational Programme 2007-13: Crete and the Aegean Islands
1. Operational Programme “Crete and the Aegean Islands” - Programme under the Convergence and Regional Competitiveness and Employment objectives co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
2. Overview
On 5 November 2007, the European Commission approved an Operational Programme for Greece for the period 2007-13. The Operational Programme “Crete and the Aegean Islands” involves Community support for 3 NUTS II regions of the Greek Islands: Crete, the North Aegean islands, and the South Aegean islands.
The Operational Programme falls within the framework laid out for the Convergence and Regional Competitiveness and Employment objectives and has a total budget of around € 1 194 billion. Community assistance through the ERDF amounts to some € 871 billion, which represents approximately 4.35% of the total EU money invested in Greece under the Cohesion Policy for 2007-13.
3. Purpose and aim of the programme
The three regions covered by the Operational Programme have a rich environment, the potential to generate income from high-quality tourism, important international infrastructure connections (particularly for sea transport), diversified tourist assets as well as some distinguished research centres and universities. Apart from the South Aegean region, however, regional GDP per capita and employment rates are below the national average.
The major financial public investment efforts undertaken in 2007-13 are aiming to:
- diversify the economic base of the tourism sector into higher-quality market segments and innovative approaches;
- provide enhanced infrastructures to improve accessibility;
- promote sustainable development through increased emphasis on the environmental dimension of all actions;
- provide environmental infrastructures, nature protection and the proper management of natural resources;
- utilise the natural and cultural heritage within the context of sustainable growth;
- promote digital convergence and entrepreneurship;
- combat intraregional disparities, notably in the South Aegean region.
4. Expected impact of the investments
The programme's various actions will ensure the creation of approximately 900 new jobs. Some 375 000 inhabitants will be connected to water-supply systems and 150 000 inhabitants to waste-water treatment systems. It will also improve public transport for some 54 000 inhabitants and ensure the construction of 250 km of roads. Approximately 100 000 pupils and students will benefit from entirely new or modernised education infrastructures.
5. Priorities
The Operational Programme is structured along three thematic objectives: accessible infrastructures and services, sustainable development and quality of life, and digital convergence and entrepreneurship. Under each objective, three sets of thematic priorities are designed for each of the three regions covered by the programme. A fourth priority concerns the smaller islands of the South Aegean region. Another priority contains the budget for technical assistance in order to implement the thematic objectives in each of the three regions.
The Operational Programme “Crete and the Aegean Islands” is structured along the following priorities:
Priority 1: accessible infrastructures and services in the Crete region [approximately 18.1% of total funding]
The main objective is the modernisation of transport infrastructures and services in the region.
Priority 2: accessible infrastructures and services in the North Aegean region [approximately 11.8 % of total funding]
The priority aims to improve interconnections between the islands of the region and island connections with the mainland. Improvements to transport conditions on the islands will secure better links to economic and administrative centres and to the main ports and airports.
Priority 3: accessible infrastructures and services in the South Aegean region [approximately 2.6% of total funding]
The main objectives are to improve the accessibility of the region through interventions involving ports, airports, local roads and public transport as well as to provide the region’s islands with an infrastructure that provides secure energy.
Priority 4: digital convergence and entrepreneurship in the Crete region [approximately 3.2% of total funding]
The main objective is to reinforce private investment and promote innovation and the use of information and communication technologies (ICT).
Priority 5: digital convergence and entrepreneurship in the North Aegean region [approximately 2.6% of total funding]
The main objective is to broaden and modernise the productive base of the local economy.
Priority 6: digital convergence and entrepreneurship in the South Aegean region [approximately 4.5% of total funding]
This priority aims to improve the conditions for private investment and promote the use of ICT throughout the island's economy, for example in the tourism sector.
Priority 7: sustainable development and quality of life in the Crete region [approximately 26.8% of total funding]
Specific objectives under this priority axis include:
- modernisation of education, health and social infrastructures;
- promotion of a sustainable management of environmental resources;
- valorisation of the cultural heritage of the island.
Priority 8: sustainable development and quality of life in the North Aegean region [approximately 20.3% of total funding]
The main objectives are to protect the natural environment (one of main assets for tourism) and improve education, health and social infrastructures.
Priority 9: sustainable development and quality of life in the South Aegean region [approximately 5.6% of total funding]
The main objectives under this priority are to ensure a high level of protection for the environment, which is key to the development of the tourist sector, and also to improve social cohesion by providing modern education, health and social infrastructures.
Priority 10: regional cohesion and partnership in the South Aegean region [approximately 3.1% of total funding]
The main objective is to tackle intraregional disparities between the region’s more developed islands and its more isolated and smaller islands.
Priority 11: technical assistance in the Crete and North Aegean regions [approximately 1.2% of total funding]
This priority will focus on supporting the programme beneficiaries and services involved in the implementation of co-funded actions in the Crete and North Aegean regions.
Priority 12: technical assistance in the South Aegean region [approximately 0.3% of total funding]
This priority will focus on supporting the programme beneficiaries and services involved in the implementation of co-funded actions in the South Aegean region.
6. Managing Authority: Ministry of National Economy and Finances – Athens, Greece
Contact details:
Ministry of National Economy and Finances
Special Management Service, Directorate General for Development Programming, Regional Policy and Public Investment
Operational Programme 2007-13: Digital Convergence
1. Operational Programme “Digital Convergence" - Programme under the Convergence objective co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
2. Overview
On 26 October 2007, the European Commission approved an Operational Programme for Greece for the period 2007-13. The programme "Digital Convergence" involves Community support for Greek regions that are eligible under the Convergence objective (Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Thessaly, Ipeirus, Western Greece, Peloponnesus, Ionian Islands, Crete and North Aegean; the “Phasing-out” regions are not included).
The Operational Programme falls within the framework laid out for the Convergence objective and has a total budget of around €1.075 billion. Community assistance through the ERDF amounts to some €860 million, which represents approximately 4.2% of the total EU money invested in Greece under Cohesion policy 2007-13.
3. Purpose and aim of the programme
According to the National Strategic Reference Framework for the period 2007-13, Greece uses information and communication technologies (ICT) to a lesser extent than the 25 other EU Member States. During the last decade, ICT made no significant contribution to improving the country’s productivity or the quality of life of Greek citizens.
The overarching goal of the Operational Programme is to contribute to the digital convergence of Greece with the rest of the EU through the use of ICT. The programme will focus on implementing a customised developmental strategy with specific emphasis on competitive Greek sectors such as tourism, shipping, culture and sports
4. Expected impact of the investments
The Operational Programme "Digital Convergence" will contribute to reaching the objectives of the national "Digital Strategy 2006-13". It will notably contribute to saving 18 man-days for enterprises and 14 man-days for citizens in respect of transactions with public administrations. The programme will also increase ICT’s contribution to Greek GDP from 0.41% in the 1995-2003 period to 0.55% for 2005-13. The percentage of the population using the Internet for transactions with public services will increase from the 8% level in 2005 to 38% in 2013.
5. Priorities
The Operational Programme "Digital Convergence" is structured along the following two priorities:
Priority 1: Improved productivity through the use of ICT [46.7 % of total amount of funding]
Specific objectives of this priority include:
- improved ICT penetration in production processes combined with the development of innovative business practices targeting small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Emphasis will be placed on using the country’s corporate human capital through the development of digitised educational material and the development of platforms and applications that manage and disseminate business content (“Business Gateways”);
- increased use of ICT in day-to-day company operations;
- the development of ICT applications to encourage entrepreneurship among women and people with special needs.
Priority 2: Improvement of citizens’ daily life through the use of ICT [51.4 % of total amount of funding]
Specific objectives of this priority include:
- equal access of citizens to ICT use and knowledge;
- increased availability of digital public services;
- the elimination of “digital gaps” caused by factors such as geography, age and gender;
- streamlining and digitisation of frequently used public services (especially the services included in the strategy “i2010”) as well as services offered by local public sector organisations;
- encouraging citizens to take part in community activities through the development of ICT applications targeting NGOs;
- promoting the cultural heritage of Greece;
- development of ICT applications and services that offer equal access for women and people with special needs.
Priority 3: Technical assistance [1.9 % of total amount of funding]
Operational programme 2007-13: Central Macedonia - Western Macedonia - Eastern Macedonia & ThraceOperational programme 2007-13: Improvement of Accessibility
1. Operational Programme “Central Macedonia – Western Macedonia – Eastern Macedonia & Thrace” - Programme under the Convergence objective co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
2. Overview
On 26 October 2007, the European Commission approved an Operational Programme for Greece for the period 2007-13. The Operational Programme “Central Macedonia – Western Macedonia – Eastern Macedonia & Thrace” involves Community support for 3 NUTS II regions in northern Greece: Central Macedonia, Western Macedonia and Eastern Macedonia & Thrace.
The Operational Programme falls within the framework laid out for the Convergence objective and has a total budget of around €3.265 billion. Community assistance through the ERDF amounts to some €2.675 billion, which represents approximately 13.34% of the total EU money invested in Greece under Cohesion policy 2007-13.
3. Purpose and aim of the programme
The three regions covered by the Operational Programme have a rich environment, a balanced economic structure, key infrastructure and international connections, proximity to new economies of South-Eastern Europe and the Balkans, major industrial sites, important and diversified tourist assets as well as research centres and universities. Nevertheless, the regional GDP per capita and the employment rate are lower than the national average. The major financial effort through public investment for 2007-13 aims at :
- improving competitiveness and employment through the knowledge and innovation economy;
- strengthening the position of regions in North-Eastern Europe through upgraded intraregional and trans-regional accessibility infrastructures as well as outward-looking and innovative enterprise networks;
- promoting sustainable economic and social development through rational environmental protection and management of natural resources;
- strengthening the role of urban centres and intraregional economic cohesion;
- utilising tourism and culture for viable growth;
- promoting digital convergence and entrepreneurship.
4. Expected impact of the investments
The programme's various actions will result in the creation of approximately 2 000 new jobs. Some 270 km of roads and 35 km of railway will be constructed or renovated and upgraded, while investment in renewable energy will save the equivalent of 72 300 tons of oil per year. The landscape will be restored in respect of 85 landfills, while 21 solid waste treatment projects will be undertaken. Additionally, over 24 000 pupils will benefit from entirely new or modernised education infrastructures. The population in the three regions will also benefit from more than 90 healthcare projects in what constitutes a strategic strengthening of primary healthcare in Greece.
5. Priorities
The Operational Programme is structured along three thematic objectives: accessibility to infrastructures and services, digital convergence and entrepreneurship, and sustainable development and quality of life. For each set of objectives, three sets of thematic priority axes are designed for each of the three regions covered by the programme. A fourth set of priorities contains the budgets for technical assistance for implementation of the three thematic priorities in each of the three regions.
The Operational Programme “Central Macedonia – Western Macedonia – Eastern Macedonia & Thrace” is structured along the following priorities:
Priority 1: Accessibility to infrastructures and services in Central Macedonia [approximately 12.7 % of total amount of funding]
Specific objectives of this priority include:
- the creation of a balanced and polycentric network of urban centres, which is linked to the Trans-European Networks (TENs) through an integrated transport system;
- improved accessibility of the region to the national transport network.
Priority 2: Accessibility to infrastructures and services in Western Macedonia [approximately 2.8 % of total amount of funding]
The priority aims to improve accessibility and transport safety of the region through the inter-regional road network by carrying out new transport projects designed to connect the region of Western Macedonia with other Greek regions. This will strengthen the role of urban centres and will support opening up the region to its neighbouring Balkan countries.
Priority 3: Accessibility to infrastructures and services in Eastern Macedonia & Thrace [approximately 7.9 % of total amount of funding]
Specific objectives of this priority axis include:
- improvement of the access to the region's industrial zones, ports, isolated areas and mountainous areas;
- improvement of the port infrastructure of Alexandroupolis and Kavala;
- completion of the railway system and connection of the system with industrial zones and ports;
- reinforcement of fisheries activities through related infrastructure.
Priority 4: Digital convergence and entrepreneurship in Central Macedonia [approximately 19.4 % of total amount of funding]
The objective of this priority is to strengthen entrepreneurship and promote environmentally friendly energy sources in an effort to produce high added-value products and services in sectors that integrate knowledge, innovation and environmental concern (notably in the health, education, trade, tourism sector as well as other activities in the tertiary sector). Funding of this priority will also boost the contribution made by information and communication technology (ICT) to the regional economy and inhabitants of the region.
Priority 5: Digital convergence and entrepreneurship in Western Macedonia [approximately 3.6 % of total amount of funding]
The priority aims to promote the use of ICT by enterprises and citizens with a view to improving productivity in the regional economy and the quality of services provided to citizens.
Priority 6: Digital convergence and entrepreneurship in Eastern Macedonia & Thrace [approximately 0.6 % of total amount of funding]
Specific objectives of this priority include:
- promoting investments in trade and services in specific zones and sectors that are threatened by economic restructuring, for specific groups of the population as well as for specific tourist activities (e.g. agrotourism);
- promoting alternative energy resources and rational management of energy resources.
Priority 7: Sustainable growth and quality of life in Central Macedonia [approximately 33.5 % of total amount of funding]
This priority will promote the protection, improvement and sustainable use of the environment, notably as regards rational management of solid, liquid and hazardous waste. Other objectives include sustainable development of culture and tourism as well as modernisation of primary and secondary healthcare facilities and education infrastructures.
Priority 8: Sustainable growth and quality of life in Western Macedonia [approximately 9.1 % of total amount of funding]
This priority aims at multi-thematic intervention in the environmental, spatial planning and urban and rural development fields (notably in the areas of health, social welfare and education infrastructures).
Priority 9: Sustainable growth and quality of life in Eastern Macedonia & Thrace [approximately 9.1 % of total amount of funding]
This priority aims at the protection and rational management of the environment in an effort to ensure the health of the region’s population by improving the quality of education infrastructures and by promoting culture as a factor for the region’s economic development.
Priority 10: Technical assistance in the regions of Central Macedonia and Western Macedonia [approximately 1.1 % of total amount of funding]
The priority will focus on supporting those who benefit from co-funded actions in the regions of Central Macedonia and Western Macedonia.
Priority 11: Technical assistance in the region of Eastern Macedonia & Thrace [approximately 0.4 % of total amount of funding]
The priority will focus on supporting those who benefit from co-funded actions in the regions of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.
6. Managing Authority: Ministry of National Economy and Finances – Athens, Greece
Contact details: Ministry of National Economy and Finances
Special Management Service, Directorate General for Development Programming, Regional Policy and Public Investment
Operational programme 2007-13: Technical assistance
1. Operational Programme “Technical assistance” 2007-2013 - Programme under the Convergence objective co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
2. Overview
On 5 November 2007, the European Commission approved the Operational Programme "Technical Assistance" for the period 2007-2013. This programme involves Community support concerning horizontal technical assistance actions for the Greek regions within the framework of the "full Convergence" objective (Crete, Peloponnese, Western Greece, Ionian Islands, Epirus, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Thessaly and North Aegean Islands). Its budget does not include funds for "Convergence – phasing out" territories, nor for "Regional competitiveness and employment – phasing in" territories.
The total budget of the programme is € 226 million and the Community assistance through the ERDF amounts to € 192 million.
3. Purpose and aim of the programme
According to the National Strategic Development Framework for the period 2007 – 2013, Greece demonstrates low administrative capacity for the good and effective execution of the Operational Programs in Greece.
The purpose and aim of the programme are the following: the reinforcement of the strategic bodies' of the administration and coordination system witch is responsible for all Operational Programmes, and the reinforcement of the administrative capacity of the beneficiaries to improve their organisational effectiveness.
4. Priorities
"Support of strategic Institutions, operations, and beneficiaries"
The strategic objective is the shaping and the ensuring of continuous efficiency in the appropriate operational conditions for the realisation of the objectives of the Greek National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF)
These are, according to priority:
- Upgrading and providing quality enforcement for structures and operations of the administrative system. This need relates directly to the effective promotion of reforms and the implementation of public policies that constitute the requirements for the harmonisation with the revised Lisbon Strategy.
- To enforce the administrative capacity and certify the adequacy of the beneficiary bodies.
- To enforce the quality and the effectiveness in publicity and information interventions.
5. Managing Authority Operational Programme "Technical Assistance" 2007-2013
The Managing Authority for the Management of this Operational Programme (Technical Assistance), has been established in the Ministry of Economy and Finances
Mitropoleos 5
GR-101 80 Athens
Tel.: + 30 210 33 32 000
Fax: + 30 210 33 32 390
Web: http://www.mnec.gr/
Operational Programme 2007-13: Thessalia - Sterea Ellada - Ipiros
1. Operational Programme “Thessalia – Sterea Ellada – Ipiros” - Programme under the Convergence and Regional Competitiveness and Employment objectives co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
2. Overview
On 26 October 2007, the European Commission approved an Operational Programme for Greece for the period 2007-13. The Operational Programme “Thessalia – Sterea Ellada – Ipiros” involves Community support for 3 NUTS II regions in central Greece: Thessaly, Continental Greece, and Epirus.
The Operational Programme falls within the framework laid out for the Convergence and Regional Competitiveness and Employment objectives and has a total budget of around € 1 473 billion. Community assistance through the ERDF amounts to around € 1.1 billion, which represents approximately 5.6% of the total EU money invested in Greece under the Cohesion Policy for 2007-13.
3. Purpose and aim of the programme
The three regions covered by the Operational Programme “Thessalia – Sterea Ellada – Ipiros” show strong disparities in income, types of economic activity and geography and also the degree of accessibility. Nonetheless they do share challenges and risks in terms of:
- the predominance of the primary sector in the regional economies;
- rising pressures from domestic and international competition on the manufacturing sector;
- insufficient flexibility within the labour market;
- inadequate skills on the part of entrepreneurial actors and the labour force generally;
- a declining population.
The major financial efforts in public investment undertaken in 2007-13 aim to:
- improve the competitiveness, extroversion, quality and innovative nature of enterprises;
- extend and upgrade intraregional and trans-regional infrastructures;
- improve human capital;
- rationalise environmental protection and the management of natural resources;
- strengthen intraregional economic cohesion;
- utilise tourism and culture for viable growth;
- promote digital convergence and entrepreneurship.
4. Expected impact of the investments
The programme's various actions will ensure the creation of approximately 2 800 new jobs. Over 200 km of roads and 14 km of railway lines will be built, renovated and upgraded, while investment in renewable energy will save the equivalent of 45 000 tons of oil per year. The landscape at 61 landfill sites will be restored and three solid waste treatment plants built. Additionally, over 15 000 pupils will benefit from entirely new or modernised education infrastructures. The population of the three regions will also benefit from 14 new healthcare facilities in what constitutes a strategic strengthening of primary healthcare in Greece.
5. Priorities
The Operational Programme is structured along three thematic objectives: accessible infrastructures and services, sustainable development and quality of life, and digital convergence and entrepreneurship. Three sets of thematic priorities are being designed for each of the three regions covered by the programme in relation to each objective. A fourth priority contains the technical assistance budget for implementation of the thematic objectives in each of the three regions.
The Operational Programme “Thessalia – Sterea Ellada – Ipiros” is structured along the following priorities:
Priority 1: accessible infrastructures and services in Thessaly [approximately 9.0% of total funding]
The main objective is to bridge the regional gap in terms of accessible infrastructures through:
- completion and upgrading of the intraregional and trans-regional road and rail network;
- improvements to port infrastructures;
- amelioration of traffic infrastructures in urban and tourist centres;
- transition over to multi-modal transport.
Priority 2: accessible infrastructures and services in Continental Greece [approximately 5.6% of total funding]
This priority is designed to homogenise the region's economic space and remove disparities between the easily accessible areas in the east and highly inaccessible areas in the west through the completion, upgrading and expansion of road, port and airport infrastructures. It will also enhance the area’s appeal to residents and tourists alike by modernising urban transport and urban planning as well as energy generation and distribution infrastructures.
Priority 3: accessible infrastructures and services in Epirus [approximately 6.8% of total funding]
The main ambition of this priority is to improve access to the region's infrastructures and services. This will strengthen the region's economic competitiveness and citizens' quality of life through the completion and/or extension of safer national, regional and local roads, urban and multi-modal transport as well as bikeways and airports.
Priority 4: sustainable growth and quality of life in Thessaly [approximately 20.8% of funding]
Specific objectives within this priority axis include the promotion of:
- protection of, improvements to and the sustainable use of the natural and man-made environment;
- sustainable development of culture;
- links to tourism, health and social welfare infrastructures;
- development of human resources.
Priority 5: sustainable growth and quality of life in Continental Greece [approximately 12.5% of total funding]
This priority is designed to safeguard the quality of the natural and man-made environment for the benefit of sustainable development. This can be achieved through investments in:
- renewable energies and energy management measures;
- rational management of underground water and solid, liquid and hazardous waste;
- protection, promotion and restoration of forested areas.
The priority will also fund country heritage and spatial planning for tourist purposes, innovative theme parks and regional museums, urban renewal projects, plus the modernisation of primary and secondary healthcare facilities as well as education infrastructures.
Priority 6: sustainable growth and quality of life in Epirus [approximately 14.6% of total funding]
The main objective of this priority is to contribute to development ensuring economic sustainability, social justice and environmental protection. The priority will fund education and research infrastructures, public healthcare facilities, waste management, landscape restoration, water resources management, urban renewal, tourism development and cultural infrastructures.
Priority 7: digital convergence and entrepreneurship in Thessaly [approximately 7.8% of total funding]
The priority is designed to improve the competitiveness of products and services from Thessaly and increase the overall productivity of Thessaly's economy courtesy of information and communication technology (ICT). Funding will be provided for, inter alia:
- technology and know-how transfers to enterprises;
- quality management systems for Thessaly exports;
- private investment in manufacturing and tourism;
- dynamic branches in retail and bulk business;
- innovative actions to improve the competitiveness of SMEs;
- development and use of digital content with local value added;
- support for innovative business plans in the ICT sector.
Priority 8: digital convergence and entrepreneurship in Continental Greece [approximately 14.8% of total funding]
The priority will support the integration of innovation, research and technology in the region's productive sector. It will fund integrated business plans for the support of productive investments, including:
- enterprise networking;
- business angels and mentoring;
- RTD support and the exploitation of research results;
- modernisation of the tourism sector;
- development of digital services for enterprises.
Priority 9: digital convergence and entrepreneurship in Epirus [approximately 6.5% of total funding]
The priority is designed to improve the region's capacity for delivering innovative products and services and also to support the business environment and use of ICT.
Priority 10: technical assistance in the Thessaly region [approximately 0.7% of total funding]
The priority will focus on supporting the timely delivery of projects in the Thessaly region.
Priority 11: technical assistance in Continental Greece [approximately 0.4% of total funding]
The priority is designed to support beneficiaries and services involved in the preparation, implementation, monitoring, control, evaluation and disclosure of co-funded regional actions in Continental Greece.
Priority 12: technical assistance in the Epirus region [approximately 0.6% of total funding]
The priority will support the implementation of priority axes 3 (accessible infrastructures and services in Epirus), 6 (sustainable growth and quality of life in Epirus) and 9 (digital convergence and entrepreneurship in Epirus).
Operational programme 2007-13: Western Greece, Peloponnesus, Ionian Islands
1. Operational Programme “Western Greece– Peloponnesus – Ionian Islands” - Programme under the Convergence objective co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
2. Overview
On 5 November 2007, the European Commission approved a regional operational programme for the regions of Western Greece, Peloponnesus and Ionian Islands for the period 2007-2013, all falling under the "Convergence" objective.
The total public budget of the programme is around € 1.14 billion and the Community assistance through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) amounts to € 914 million. The interventions relate mainly to transport infrastructure, environment, rural and urban development, culture, entrepreneurship and digital convergence, social infrastructure and services, health and social care.
3. The purpose and aim of the EU investment
Building on the success and experience of the past Structural Funds Programmes, the new programme will take forward existing interventions while encouraging new and innovative approaches. Three general development objectives have been defined, namely a) to develop and modernise transport infrastructure, b) promote digital convergence with the use of Information and Communication technologies (ICT) and support for entrepreneurship and c) support a sustainable development and quality of life. The strategic objectives of the programme are to increase the attractiveness of the region.
4. The expected impact of the investment
The bulk of the ERDF contribution (62%) is injected in interventions relating to quality of life and sustainable development. Some 950 hospital beds shall be constructed and modernised. Nine landfills are programmed to be constructed and it is expected that whole population will be served by modern waste facilities. Thirteen waste water treatment plants are intended to be constructed and cover the needs of the major urban and rural agglomerations. In the area of infrastructure works & accessibility, 48 km of national roads will be maintained and modernised whereas some 245 km of secondary networks will ensure access to the main centres of the three regions. As regards digital convergence & entrepreneurship, 720 enterprises are expected to participate in the realisation of the programme. Finally, tourist enterprises of around 13 000 equivalent beds will be modernised, the majority of them (12 600) in the region of Ionian Islands so as to establish this region as an international tourist destination which provides high quality services.
5. Priorities
Nine priorities plus a technical assistance priority have been defined in the programme:
Priority 1: Infrastructure works & accessibility in Western Greece
The completion of major transport infrastructures in the field of roads, rails and ports including modernisation aspects is one of the strategic intentions. Develop and accelerate the completion of infrastructures & services and in particular the creation and operation of the Western road axis of PATHE Korinthos/Patras is of paramount significance to consolidating the economic development of this region.
Priority 2: Infrastructure works & accessibility in Peloponnesus
This priority aims at completing infrastructure works to ensure the intra connection of the mainland including the main important urban and semi-urban centres. Emphasis will be given in completing the basic road axes including complementary interventions in secondary networks/transport, urban planning and energy generation and distribution infrastructures.
Priority 3: Infrastructure works & accessibility in Ionian Islands
The aim of this priority is to improve the current basic road network; facilitate access to mainland of each island including easy access to ports and airports including management and security issues. As regards maritime transports, the aim is to complement and improve port facilities and infrastructure works of local and regional importance.
Priority 4: Digital convergence & entrepreneurship in Western Greece
Emphasis will be given in increasing investments in knowledge-intensive sectors and the reorientation of the productive dynamism of the economy into services and products of high added value. This will be pursued by the reinforcement of cooperation between universities, research institutes and enterprises, the set up of new companies including the modernisation of current ones, with emphasis on innovation and new technologies.
Priority 5: Digital convergence & entrepreneurship in Peloponnesus
The planned actions target the needs of the local bodies and SMEs on issues of innovation and digital convergence. This will be pursued by the introduction and use of ICT, the development and applications of digital technology into the local public administration in order to upgrade their organisational capacities. Besides, the programme will support SMEs to have access to new modern tools of ICT including investments in technological equipment and installation of PCs.
Priority 6: Digital convergence & entrepreneurship in Ionian Islands
The aim of this priority is to support the business activities by promoting alternative tourism activities, introducing quality standards and new technologies by encouraging the incorporation of innovative practices in the businesses community.
Priority 7: Sustainable development & quality of life in Western Greece
This priority axis aims to protect the environment, ensure sufficient and quality water supply ensuring its rational use, rehabilitation of the dump sites, and the use of new technologies for the prevention and management of environmental and technological risks. Protect the cultural heritage and monuments; reduce the infrastructure gap in terms of education, health and social care and promote and upgrade conditions of life in rural areas are the strategic objectives of this axis.
Priority 8: Sustainable development & quality of life in Peloponnesus
This will be pursed by co financing actions in culture, health, social infrastructure and environment. The cultural interventions aim at improving the infrastructure facilities, mainly archaeological museums and modern culture to broaden and differentiate the tourist products of the region. As regards health and social infrastructure, the aim is to improve and build infrastructure facilities relating to primary & secondary education, the health centres and social care stations. An integrated solid waste management and modern waste water facilities alongside a rational use of the water resources will be the focus of the environmental investments.
Priority 9: Sustainable development & quality of life in Ionian Islands
As regards environment, emphasis will be given in the rational use of water resources, the promotion of a modern solid waste management technologies and the rehabilitation of polluted areas. The cultural interventions aim to promote protection plans for the natural and cultural heritage, facilitate access to archaeological sites and monuments and improve tourist and cultural services. With respect to social infrastructure, the aim is to improve and build infrastructure facilities concerning the primary and secondary education. Finally, improving and ameliorating infrastructure facilities in the field of secondary social care as well as complementing the medical equipment of hospitals and health centres are some of the planned interventions.
Priority 10: Technical Support
The priority will focus on supporting the maturity of projects and assisting the beneficiaries and managing authorities in the preparation, implementation, monitoring, control, evaluation, and publicity of the co-funded actions.
6. Responsible for implementation:
Special Management Service, Directorate General for Development Programming, Regional Policy and Public Investment, Ministry of National Economy and Finances.