57. Emphasises, in particular, the importance of synergies between the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the ENPI and the EFF for planning in coastal areas; believes that macro-regional strategies, European territorial cooperation programmes and sea basin programmes are relevant tools for implementing integrated development strategies for the EU’s coastal territories;

Based on Article 10 of the Regulation on the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), innovative actions in 1994-99 supported 350 operations relating to eight different themes: new sources of employment, culture and heritage, spatial planning (Terra), urban pilot projects, internal and external interregional co-operation (Recite II and Ecos-Ouverture), promotion of technological innovation (RIS and RTTs) and the information society (RISI I and II).

Based on Article 10 of the Regulation on the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), innovative actions in 1994-99 supported 350 operations relating to eight different themes: new sources of employment, culture and heritage, spatial planning (Terra), urban pilot projects, internal and external interregional co-operation (Recite II and Ecos-Ouverture), promotion of technological innovation (RIS and RTTs) and the information society (RISI I and II).

(9) Whereas measures of Community interest undertaken at the initiative of the Commission have an important role to play in achieving the general objectives of Community structural action referred to in Article 1 of Regulation (EC) No 1260/1999; whereas, to that end, in view of the value it adds at Community level, it is important that the ERDF continue to promote cross-border, transnational and inter-regional cooperation, including in the regions located on the external frontiers of the Union within the meaning of the Treaty, the least-favoured islands and the outermost regions, in view of their special features and difficulties; whereas in the context of that cooperation, the harmonious, balanced and sustainable development of the whole of the ...[+++]Community territory, including in connection with spatial planning, adds value to action to promote economic and social cohesion; whereas the contribution of the ERDF to that development should be continued and increased; whereas moreover it is desirable to support the economic and social regeneration of cities and urban neighbourhoods in crisis with a view to promoting sustainable urban development;

(9) Whereas measures of Community interest undertaken at the initiative of the Commission have an important role to play in achieving the general objectives of Community structural action referred to in Article 1 of Regulation (EC) No 1260/1999, whereas, to that end, in view of the value it adds at Community level, it is important that the ERDF continues to promote cross-border, transnational and inter-regional cooperation, including in the regions located on the external frontiers of the Union within the meaning of the Treaty, the least-favoured islands and the outermost regions, in view of their special features and difficulties; whereas in the context of that cooperation, the harmonious, balanced and sustainable development of the whole of the ...[+++]Community territory, including in connection with spatial planning, adds value to action to promote economic and social cohesion; whereas the contribution of the ERDF to that development should be continued and increased; whereas moreover it is desirable to support the economic and social regeneration of cities and urban neighbourhoods in crisis with a view to promoting sustainable urban development;

9. Recommends the inclusion of the Mediterranean area in some of the pilot measures concerning spatial planning and interregional cooperation financed under Article 10 of the ERDF, particularly Recite and Ecos/Ouverture;