Boost for Euro Funding in Eastern England

12.00.00am GMT Wed 15th Mar 2000

Threats that Objective 2 regional aid payments to Eastern England could be delayed indefinitely have been lifted following a meeting of the European Commission yesterday.

But in a parliamentary debate in Strasbourg last night, Euro-MPs were told by Environment Commissioner Margot Wallstrom that in return Britain must supply a detailed list of conservation areas intended to safeguard birds, plants, and insects.

Payments would be suspended 'without delay' if the information is not supplied within a tight timetable, they were warned.

Millions of pounds of European grants were put at risk after Commissioner Wallstrom adopted a 'get tough' approach to try and enforce the 1991 Habitats Directive intended to protect endangered species. She accused Britain and other EU countries of being years behind in their obligation to provide full lists of conservation sites.

European structural funds intended to assist the regeneration of poorer areas are not supposed to be paid towards projects which may harm the environment, but the Commissioner argued that as she had not been told which areas must be protected she could not permit the release of any money.

Liberal Democrat Euro-MP, Andrew Duff, who has been actively involved in discussion with the Commission and regional authorities, is delighted with the outcome. He said:

"I want to see endangered species protected, and the Commissioner's threats have put a bomb under governments throughout Europe.

"Under this pressure they have done more in the past six months to identify special areas of conservation than in the past six years.

"Now just before the parliamentary debate the Commission has released the safety valve. Environmental progress will continue to be made, but Eastern England will also get its money."

Mr Duff says that he looks forward to the completion of the preparation of the Region's Objective 2 projects by the early summer.