Press Release: Cohesion Policy set to give major boost to Lisbon strategy for 2007-2013

The reform of the cohesion policy is starting to bring tangible results and is reaffirming its role as one of the main Community policies delivering the Lisbon strategy for 2007-2013. This is the main message in a Communication the Commission published today. The document, entitled 'Member States and regions delivering the Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs through EU Cohesion Policy, 2007- 2013' gives an overview of national strategies and programmes prepared by the 27 Member States. It shows that most of the Cohesion Policy budget totalling € 347 billion will be invested in key Lisbon-related priorities, such as the knowledge economy, research, development and innovation, human capital and business development. Today's Communication is part of the package which sets out key Community actions for implementation of the Lisbon strategy for 2008-2011 and gives an assessment of progress in achieving Lisbon objectives for 2005-2007.