European money has been used to improve the prosperity of regions around Europe since the mid 1970's. Funds are concentrated on areas of greatest need where unemployment is high and economic prosperity low in comparison to the European averages.
Most funding granted by the European Union is not paid by the European Commission directly, but through the national and regional authorities of the Member States.
The Commission gives grants direct to recipients for the implementation of common policies in areas such as research and development, education, training, the environment, consumer protection and information. It also awards direct grants for the application of the EU's external policies.
Types of funds
There are many EU funds the main ones being:
- Structural funds
- Research funds
- Education and training funds
- Environment funds
- Funds for culture
- Funds for development aid
The structural funds need no partners abroad, whilst, applicants to the other funds are required to have partners in other member states.
European Structural Funds
Main funds applied for in Stockton are through the structural fund, the two main streams being European Social Fund (ESF) and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
ESF provides for projects which fall into the broad subjects of vocational training, retraining, job creation including self employment opportunities, vocational guidance and counselling.
ERDF provides for investment in sites and facilities for industry and business, infrastructure projects which aid the regions economic development, tourism and cultural projects and environmental protection.
Only legally constituted organisations can apply for European funding.
Further information
Further information can be obtained from the following web sites: -
Government Office for the North East of England -
www.go-ne.gov.ukThe European Commission - www.europa.eu.int
or by contacting the Council's External Funding Team.
