29.08.08
Croatian visitors learn about European funding successes in Cornwall and Devon

Twenty officials from Croatia's Agriculture and Forestry Ministry visited the South West this week to learn more about the region's successful implementation of European funding programmes.

Croatia is a candidate country for membership of the European Union and the visit to the region is being funded by an EU programme to help potential member countries understand how the union works.

In addition to Cornwall's Objective One European Programme, the party will also hear how Leader + and England Rural Development programmes have improved the rural economy of the South West.

The group attended seminars held at GOSW offices in Plymouth organised by GOSW and the South West RDA and visited the Rural Payments Agency offices in Exeter.

Philip Johnson, GOSW assistant director European programmes, said: “We welcome this opportunity to show foreign visitors what can be achieved through a partnership approach to European funding and what can be achieved in a rural economy like the South West.”

Ian Piper, the RDA's director of sustainable communities, said: “The RDA has a good record of innovation in rural economic development and we are managing the delivery of the EU-funded Rural Development Programme in South West England. This region's £156 million RDPE budget is around 25% of the England allocation, reflecting the size of our rural area and the fact that we are the most rural region in England.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to share knowledge and lessons on RDPE with our European colleagues as the programme unfolds.”

EU visit organiser, John Powell, said: “This has been a valuable visit for the Croatian government to see and understand how European funds have been used to good effect in helping to improve the economic fortunes of the South West. The lessons learnt in Devon and Cornwall will help Croatia develop its plans for EU membership.”

For further information please contact Wailim Wong, Government Office for the South West, on 01752 635053.

Editor's notes:

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
The Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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