Belgium Objective 1 programme of transitional support for Hainaut The European Commission has decided to participate actively in the development of the Hainaut region by co-financing the Objective 1 programme of degressive transitional support for the region during the 2000-2006 period. The Structural Funds will contribute ? 645 million out of a total budget of  2 221 million Euros. Eligible areas /  Contact / Financial tables 1. Action Priorities The programme revolves around six priority areas and technical assistance measures. Priority 1 : Expanding the productive base The aim is to support economic growth by: assisting industrial and service investment; diversifying financial engineering instruments; identifying which economic stimulation measures businesses need; and encouraging businesses to network. Social integration agencies will be assisted in the purchase of equipment and materials. Priority 2 : Promoting growth through the knowledge economy The programme will accord priority to promoting the knowledge economy by: granting aid for research and innovation; disseminating technical and scientific knowledge; and developing centres of excellence. Priority 3 : Developing the potential of agriculture, forestry and aquaculture The measures funded cover: improving techniques for processing and marketing agricultural products; developing the potential of forestry; and granting investment aid to businesses which produce, process and market fishery products. Priority 4 : Making the region more attractive through restoration work and by improving its image As well as helping to upgrade tourist infrastructure, restore old industrial sites and improve management of the environment, EU funding will be used to promote public transport and renewable forms of energy. Priority 5 : Improving access to the labour market The aim is to adapt the education and training systems so that they meet businesses' needs and expectations. Particular attention will be focused on providing guidance and advice to job-seekers. Priority 6 : Facilitating reintegration into working life and promoting social integration The aims here are to provide unemployed people with better support at each stage of their reintegration and to integrate disadvantaged people. Technical Assistance : Measures will be equally provided to assist with the management of, information on, implementation of, control and evaluation of all aspects of the programme. 2. Description of the eligible areas The region eligible for Structural Fund assistance under the programme has 1 285 000 inhabitants (40% of Wallonia's population). Hainaut is characterised by traditional industries restructuring and its growth is below the Community average. With its GDP at 80% of the Community average, the region is not creating enough jobs. In 1999 its unemployment rate was 15.4% (Belgium: 8.9%), while its under-25 unemployment rate reached 39.2%. Hainaut also suffers from a lack of diversification, a substantial research and development shortfall, an inadequate level of training, and environmental damage. However, the region's advantages are its central geographical location and its particularly well-developed transport infrastructure. Further pluses are its high productivity, quality human resources and business-friendly environment. 3. Management and contact details The Walloon Regional Government, represented by its Prime Minister, is the Managing authority for the Objective 1 programme. It will also be responsible for project selection on the basis of proposals from the Task Force which will evaluate the projects. The Monitoring Committee comprises the Ministers of the Walloon Government and of the French Community (or their representatives), together with the economic and social partners' representatives. Implementation : The European programme Directorate will manage the programme. The operational Ministries concerned (ERDF: Ministry of Economic Affairs; ESF: Ministry of Employment; EAGGF and FIFG: Ministry of Agriculture) will be responsible for monitoring the programme. Gouvernement Wallon - Cabinet du Ministre-Président Ministre-Président Van Cauwenberghe, Jean-Claude 25-27 rue Mazy B-5100 Jambes-Namur Tel.: +32.81.331211 Fax.: +32.81.331299 E-mail.: vancau@gov.wallonie.be Web: Gouvernement Wallon SPD Hainaut - Obj. 1 Site "Objectif 1 Hainaut" Site économie du Ministère de la Région Wallonne Financial and Technical informations Title : Objective 1 programme of transitional support for Hainaut Intervention type : Single Programming Document CCI No. : 1999BE161DO001 No. of decision : C(2000)1222 Final approval date : 15-MAY-00 Breakdown of Finances by priority area (in millions of Euros) Priority area Total cost EU Contribution Public aid (EC + others) 1 Expanding the productive base 1151.24 201.3 399.93 2 Promoting growth through the knowledge economy 283.59 117.92 235.85 3 Developing the potential of agriculture, forestry and aquaculture 213.04 43.31 101.61 4 Making the region more attractive through restoration work and by improving its image 217.23 106 212 5 Improving access to the labour market 192.29 94.29 188.58 6 Facilitating reintegration into working life and promoting social integration 153.55 76.77 153.55 7 Technical Assistance 10.8 5.4 10.8 Total 2221.740 644.990 1302.320 Financial Breakdown by Funds (in millions of Euros) EU Contribution ERDF ESF EAGGF FIFG Total : 645 409.79 191.9 41.57 1.74 100.00% 63.53% 29.75% 6.44% 0.27%