Handbook on SEA for Cohesion Policy 2007-2013

Abstract

EU Cohesion Policy provides around one-third of the European Community budget to increase economic and social cohesion throughout the EU. The primary objective for the upcoming funding period will be to promote growth and jobs, in accordance with the Lisbon Strategy and as defined in the Community Strategic Guidelines 2007-2013. A key feature of Cohesion Policy is its reliance on an effective programming system, which determines how the funds will be spent for a period of seven years. In all EU Member States – some more than others – the use of Cohesion Policy funds will affect national or regional development directions, so that the programming process is an important development planning mechanism. It is therefore critical to integrate environmental protection and innovation within these plans and programmes from the start, both to take advantage of the benefits which environmentally-driven growth can bring to a society and to stimulate further sustainable development in the EU.