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Objectives


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The general objective of the O.P. Italy-Slovenia 2007-2013 is to:

“Enhance the attractiveness and competitiveness of the Programme-area”

The general objective will be implemented through the following specific objectives:




Ensure sustainable territorial integration

In order to achieve the first objective the Programme provides for the promotion of policies aimed at a balanced and sustainable territorial development across the border, in accordance with the objectives of EU policies (Göteborg Strategy). In particular, in such a framework, the O.P. focuses on the promotion and improvement of protection and joint management of natural resources; the joint prevention of natural and technological risks and the creation of the necessary basic conditions for a joint sustainable territorial development, by means of integrated programming.
The Programme-area includes several protected natural areas which have to be managed, safeguarded and promoted jointly, in order to highlight the territory’s own naturalistic peculiarities, making it more attractive and strengthening synergies between safeguard of the environment and growth (ecosustainable development).
At the same time, the presence of areas subject to natural and technological risks implies the need to pay special attention to the implementation of joint plans for the prevention of such risks, by developing the synergies already existing between the relevant institutions in order to deal more effectively with the issues concerning the safeguard of the environment. Similarly, the high energy consumption of the Programme area suggests the planning of joint policies in order to rationalise its consumption and increase the use of energy obtained from renewable sources.
Ensuring a sustainable territorial integration necessarily implies the development of environmentally-friendly transport networks. As for this aspect, the Programme aims at improving the accessibility and the existing transport systems by increasing and strengthening links, focusing in particular on systems alternative to road transport.
The presence of functional cross-border areas, very similar from a naturalistic, cultural and economic point of view suggests undertaking actions aimed at strengthening their territorial integration, in order to develop sustainable communities which can provide a valuable contribution for the growth of the whole Programme-area.

Reference Priority Axis for this specific objective: 1. “Environment, transport and sustainable territorial integration”.


Increase competitiveness and development of a knowledge-based society

In order to achieve the second objective referring to the provisions of Lisbon Strategy, the Programme aims at promoting research and innovation, in order to contribute to the development of an economy based on knowledge, respectful of the environment.
The Programme foresees, moreover, to carry on development and cooperation processes in such a way as to increase the competitiveness of the entrepreneurial system in a context of globalisation of the markets, granting sustainable development and safeguarding the principles of equal opportunities between men and women and of non-discrimination.
Interventions will, therefore, be carried out at the following levels: promotion of synergetic cooperation between institutions and/or organizations including enterprises, in order to develop their capacity to rely on research and innovation (enterprise incubators, innovation centres, scientific and technological parks); increase of the use by enterprises of information and communication technologies and of “clean” technologies; improvement of cooperation relationships between Italian and Slovenian companies, in order to encourage joint internationalisation processes towards new markets and within a “system” supported by institutions, which shall contribute to increase an “organized” presence of these enterprises groups in “target” geographical areas.
The tourist sector, as shown by the analyses carried out, is the one that – more than any other – may contribute to the development of the cross-border area. Therefore, the Programme puts special emphasis on the development and joint promotion of services and “niche” tourism packages that shall highlight the natural, environmental and cultural resources of the Programme-area in an environmentally sustainable way.
Furthermore, attention will be devoted to highly integrated territorial systems, i.e. the areas where the border has directly affected local natural and social functional areas. In such systems, an integrated approach to the recovery of economic cross-border integrity will be pursued.
In compliance with the European Strategy concerning employment and on the basis of the collected data, which reveal employment levels still far from the objectives set by the Lisbon Strategy, the Programme foresees to develop the cross-border potential as regards education and professional training. In this way, the level of social integration will be increased and cooperation within the labour market will be strengthened, with a special attention to female employment and to people belonging to “disadvantaged” categories.
Reference Priority Axis for this specific objective: 2. “Competitiveness and knowledge based society”.


Improve communication, social and cultural cooperation, also in order to remove persisting barriers

The third objective of the Programme meets the demand of a safeguard of knowledge and a promotion of a joint use of cultural resources and of a reduction of the isolation typical of some areas of the territory, by means of a better access to communication networks and services, as well as that of ensuring a stronger social integration through a deeper mutual knowledge among the populations of the Programme-area.
This objective shall be also achieved by implementing projects aimed at the promotion of the cultural heritage within the Programme-area, at a joint enhancement of the history of the different territories involved in the Programme and at an increased level of cooperation in the communication sector.
In order to contribute to the reduction of obstacles deriving from the still existing historical, cultural and social barriers, the O.P. also aims at favouring the joint use of infrastructures in sectors such as health, culture and education. In addition, special attention will be paid to the so-called “disadvantaged categories”, through interventions aimed at improving their employment opportunities and quality of life.

The implementation of projects aimed at favouring a greater harmonization of communication, education and training systems may greatly contribute to abolish the still existing barriers. That is the reason why it has seemed necessary to include investments for the development of such systems, favouring the access to information and communication technologies and their strategic use.
Special attention will be given to the linguistic minorities present on the territory, in relation to the contribution they have given and can provide also in the future in order to strengthen the cooperation relationships already existing in the Programme-area.
The creation of “integrated cultural activities” will contribute to increase the overall attractiveness of the Programme-area, by nourishing the development of  “niche” tourism, which represents one of the key-sectors of  the O.P.
Moreover, the improvement of mutual knowledge – also through a joint research of the historical background and a joint use of the existing resources – will certainly increase cross-border cultural exchanges, improving integration and the attractiveness of the Programme-area. Also within this third objective, special attention will be paid to the solution of issues regarding the “disadvantaged” categories, by implementing projects that – on one side – will abolish any barrier linked to handicaps and – on the other - will support the professional employment of these categories.
Finally the high cost of social and health services represents a problem of primary importance for local and national administrations. Therefore this Programme aims at significantly contribute to deal with this issue, by supporting the carrying out of synergies between the different social and health systems which will allow significant scale economies, the systematization of the existing services and the increase of the quality of the services offered to the citizens.

Reference Priority Axis for this specific objective: 3. “Social integration”.

Improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Programme

The forth objective aims at improving the technical and governance competences of the public administrations involved in the implementation of the Programme. Moreover, extensive awareness raising and knowledge dissemination will be undertaken in favour of the widest public, in order to get them effectively acquainted about the offered opportunities, the eligible projects and the operations financed by the Programme. In fact adequate promotion is recognised as being crucial for achieving a widespread understanding of the Programme’s importance and strategic value. A suitable communication plan will thus be carried out. In accordance with (EC) Regulation n. 1828/2006, it will let as many people as possible receive information about the achieved results and the reached objectives.
Besides, the implementation of an effective management, monitoring and control system of the Programme has been foreseen. It shall be carried out by the Authorities and Bodies described in Chapter 6 and will be inspired to the principles of simplification and sound management in the use of the funds.
Finally, the Programme shall make provisions for carrying out constant monitoring activities concerning the progress made, not only from the financial, physical and procedural point of view, but also as regards its own strategic structure and targets. In this way, it will be possible to detect, especially through the “on-going” evaluation activities, any need for correction during its implementation.

Reference Priority Axis for this specific objective: 4. “Technical assistance”.


contacts

Managing Authority
Autonomous Region Friuli Venezia Giulia
Central Directorate for Finance, Property, Coordination and Programming of Economic and EU Policies
Coordination and Programming of Economic, patrimony and EU Policies Department
European Territorial Cooperation, State Aid and General Affairs Office
via Udine 9
34132 Trieste - Italy


Joint Technical Secretariat
via Udine 9
34132 Trieste - Italy
tel.: +39 040 377 5993
fax: +39 040 3775907


Slovene Info Point
Republic of Slovenia
Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy
Regional Office Štanjel
Štanjel 1a, 6222 Štanjel - Slovenia
Tel. (+386) 5 7318 533
Fax (+386) 5 7318 531