Support should therefore be given to actions which seek to improve the physical interconnection of territories (e.g. investments in sustainable transport) as well as intangible connections (networks, exchanges between regions and between the parties involved).
The actions envisaged include the creation of European transport corridors (particularly cross-border sections) and actions for the prevention of natural risks (e.g. fire, drought and flood), water management at river basin level, integrated maritime cooperation, promotion of sustainable urban development and R&D/innovation networks.
The map of the current zones for transnational cooperation has been modified to ensure that they create the conditions for implementing basic structural actions. They have been drawn up taking account of territorial coherence and functional criteria of a geographical nature, for example, sharing the same river basin or coastal zone, belonging to the same mountainous area or being crossed by a major transport corridor. Other criteria, such as history or institutional structures, or existing cooperation or Conventions, are also pertinent.
2.6. Interregional cooperation
Interregional cooperation programmes should focus on the renewed Lisbon strategy: strengthening innovation, SMEs and entrepreneurship, the environment and risk prevention. In addition, exchange of experiences and best practices regarding urban development, modernisation of public sector services (such as health and government using ICT) and the implementation of cooperation programmes as well as studies and data collection will be encouraged. Interregional cooperation may also be supported within programmes for Convergence and Regional competitiveness and employment. In addition, exchange of experiences and best practices regarding urban development, social inclusion, relationship between cities and rural areas, and the implementation of cooperation programmes will be encouraged.
(1) Communication to the Spring European Council ‘Working Together for growth and jobs — a new start for the Lisbon Strategy’, COM(2005) 24, 2.2.2005.
(2) Article 9 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1083/2006 of 11 July 2006 laying down general provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund and the Cohesion Fund and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1260/1999.
OJ L 210, 31.7.2006, p. 25
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(3) ‘European transport policy for 2010: time to decide’, COM(2001) 370.
(4) ‘Keep Europe moving. Sustainable mobility for the European continent’, COM(2006) 314, 22.6.2006.
(5)
OJ L 167, 30.4.2004, p. 1
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(6) ‘Investing in research: an action plan for Europe’. COM(2003) 226, 30.4.2003.
(7) COM(2005) 229.
(8)
OJ L 205, 6.8.2005, p. 21
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(9) Article 2 of Regulation (EC) No 1081/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2006 on the European Social Fund and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1784/1999.
OJ L 210, 31.7.2006, p. 12
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(10) COM(2005) 141, 12.4.2005.
(11) Set up in 1993, EURES is a cooperation network between the European Commission and the Public Employment Services of the EEA Member States (EU Member States plus Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) and other partner organisations.
(12) Communication to the Council and Parliament ‘Cohesion Policy and cities: the urban contribution to growth and jobs in the regions’. COM(2006) 385 final, 12.7.2006.
(13) Thematic Strategy on the Urban Environment. COM(2005) 718 final.
(14) Council Regulation (EC) No 1685/2005.
OJ L 277, 21.10.2005, p. 1
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