Brussels announces partnership agreement with Austria

The European Commission has adopted a partnership agreement with Austria on using EU Structural and Investment Funds for growth and jobs between 2014 and 2020.

The deal sets out a strategy for the optimal use of European Structural and Investment Funds throughout the country and paves the way for investing €3.9bn in rural development and €1.24bn in Cohesion Policy funding. Austria is also set to receive €6.96m from the Maritime and Fisheries Fund.

The EU money will help tackle unemployment and boost competitiveness and economic growth through support to innovation, training and education in cities, towns and rural areas. The funding will also promote entrepreneurship, fight social exclusion and help develop an environmentally friendly and resource-efficient economy.

Commenting on the agreement with Austria, European Commissioner for Regional Policy Johannes Hahn said: “This investment strategy builds on the important contribution Austria is already making to help the EU meet its goals of creating a resource-efficient economy with sustainable energy use.

“The partnership agreement provides Austria with a firm foundation that covers all EU Structural and Investment Funds and gives strategic direction to future programmes. This will enhance innovation, transform Austrian SMEs into models of growth and secure Austria’s growing reputation in supporting research, development and innovation. The European Structural and Investment Funds are helping Austria’s regions and cities to face these key challenges.”

A ceremonial signature of the partnership agreement will take place on Monday 20 October in Vienna with Hahn and Secretary of State in the Federal Chancellery Sonja Stessl.