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Environmental NGOs on European Regional policy after 2006:
Structural cash must fund shift to sustainability, say green NGOs

10 th May, Brussels, Belgium: On the occasion of Cohesion Forum, taking place in Brussels today, a coalition of environmental NGOs is stepping into the debate to present its vision of European Regional policy after 2006. In their common position paper "Delivering Sustainable Development" launched today, the coalition called for a clearer commitment to protect Europe's environment and for sustainable development to be made central to EU Regional Policy.

"Our purpose is to place the objectives of the Sustainable Development Strategy at the heart of the reform of EU regional policy for the period 2007-2013, and beyond" says Magda Stoczkiewicz representing CEE Bankwatch and Friends of the Earth Europe. "Our experience shows how this much needed investment can do more harm than good when it ignores the principles of sustainability. We want to avoid the situation where EU money is destroying the natural environment and supporting un-sustainable patterns of production and consumption".

The coalition have targeted their recommendations at the drafting of the new regulations for the Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund for the period 2007-2013, adding an environmental voice to a debate clearly dominated by the drive for economic growth and competitiveness.

Stefanie Lang from the WWF European Policy office explains: "In order to move beyond mere lip service, Structural and Cohesion Funds should be predominately used to make regional development projects sustainable. The Funds have huge potential to channel large amounts of money towards key goals set by the Commission such as meeting Kyoto targets for energy efficiency and renewable energy measures, establishing and managing of Natura 2000 sites or implementing the Water Framework Directive."

The concrete recommendations presented in the paper cover four steps towards the delivery of sustainable development propose by NGOs: a) integrating environment and sustainability into all areas of EU regional policy; b).adding value to natural resources management, c). promoting partnership with Civil Society; d). evaluating progress towards the achievement of sustainable development objectives.

Rachel Lee from BirdLife International emphasizes that "The success or failure of EU Regional Policy must be based on its contribution towards more sustainable forms of development. The Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive which comes into force this July, and which applies to Structural Fund plans and programs, will be a powerful tool to help minimize the risk of environmentally damaging projects".

Explanatory note:

The coalition of NGOs consists of BirdLife International, CEE Bankwatch, CEEWEB, Friends of the Earth Europe, Milieukontakt Oost-Europa and WWF, representing their networks of partners in the EU 25.

The common position paper has been endorsed by more than 50 environmental NGOs and is available at:
http://www.foeeurope.org/activities/eufunds/coalition.htm

Contact:

Rachel Lee , BirdLife International, +44 1767 680551
Magda Stoczkiewicz , CEE Bankwatch Network/Friends of the Earth Europe, +31 652 41 03 23
Stefanie Lang , WWF EPO, +32-2-7400930