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Issue 13 June 2009 “The presidency must be prepared to lead Europe in all circumstances” Danuta Hübner reflects on her five years as regional policy commissioner Luc Van den Brande on the European elections and the Swedish EU presidency Be prepared Margot Wallström on the financial crisis, Lisbon treaty and what Sweden must do to ensure a successful EU presidency Cecilia Malmström: “Sweden will lay the foundations for a renewed strategy for growth” Issue 13 June 2009 “The presidency must be prepared to lead Europe in all circumstances” Danuta Hübner reflects on her five years as regional policy commissioner Luc Van den Brande on the European elections and the Swedish EU presidency Be prepared Margot Wallström on the financial crisis, Lisbo May your convention be successful. Enjoy your stay! Luxembourg – a millenary city with amazing contrasts between cultural heritage and the most modern infrastructure of a prosperous metropolis. The Luxembourg Convention Bureau is your efficient partner for all aspects of conference and incentive tr Pre-school children in Gnesta preparing and painting the white paper balls green. This is to illustrate the Lisbon indicator number of clean cars. Photographer Anna Sandklef Photographer Maria Pestrea The pipes, which visualises the three chosen indicators, are being filled in Vingåker with paper GREENER AND SMARTER TRANSPORT conomic development and striving for social economic and territorial cohesion constitute some of the most significant tasks of the European community. The principles facilitating the achievement of the aforementioned goals include the bottom-up principle. And it is the The creation of the CETCROUTE65 Corridor will influence the implementation of a new quality in European transport through the formation of a new structure of traffic in sea and land transport, and the growth of transportation along the corridor. The status of a „transport corridor” is a signal for Issue 13 June 2009 Editorial team Managing editor Brian Johnson Martin Banks Martha Moss Francesca Ross Louise Tait International Press Centre Boulevard Charlemagne 1 Box 2 Brussels 1041 Tel +32 (0) 2 285 0829 / newsdesk@theparliament. Production Jearelle Wolhuter Kazimierz Kapusniak Advertising pr As Liberals and Democrats in Europe we believe that security is the guardian of liberty. Because without effective security the proper enjoyment of liberty is impossible. Combating terrorism and organised crime, of course, requires endless vigilance and tireless determination but we are increasingly news analysis FAROE ISLANDS SHETLAND ISLANDS ORKNEY ISLANDS HERBRIDES Gotland Danuta Hübner FINLAND SWEDEN ALAND ISLANDS ESTONIA LATVIA LITHUANIA DENMARK IRE D LAN UNITED KINGDOM POLAND NETHERLANDS GERMANY BELGIUM CZECH LUXEMBOURG REPUBLIC AKIA SLOV AUSTRIA SLOVENIA HUNGARY ROMANIA FRANCE Danuta Hübner news analysis from European regional development funding, Hübner also commends the increase in competitiveness and innovation programmes. And she is pleased with developments in relation to the use of funds, saying there are very few situations in which the funds were not fully used. NORDIC M I NI N G SCHOOL N orthern Finland and Sweden have a strong extractive industry that supplies the EU with many of the major commodities needed in the modern society, e.g. iron, copper, zink, lead, chromium, nickel, silver and gold. Luleå university of Technology in Sweden and Oulu universi Danuta Hübner news analysis Orkney Western Isles Skye Highland Grampian At street level The Regional Review travels to the UK with Danuta Hübner Tayside Mull Fife Central Islay GLASGOW Strathclyde Arran Borders SCOTLAND Lothian Dumfries And Galloway North Umberland Tyne Wear Durham Cumb news analysis FAROE ISLANDS SHETLAND ISLANDS ORKNEY ISLANDS HERBRIDES Gotland eu elections FINLAND SWEDEN ALAND ISLANDS ESTONIA LATVIA LITHUANIA DENMARK IRE D LAN UNITED KINGDOM POLAND NETHERLANDS GERMANY BELGIUM CZECH LUXEMBOURG REPUBLIC AKIA SLOV AUSTRIA SLOVENIA HUNGARY ROMANIA FRANCE I DISSEMINATION Karlskrona on the road to sustainability The four sustainability principles used by the Association of Swedish Eco-municipalities In a sustainable society, nature is not subject to systematically increasing... photograph © Birger Lallo 1 concentrations of substances heat and power g news analysis FAROE ISLANDS SHETLAND ISLANDS ORKNEY ISLANDS HERBRIDES Gotland Cohesion policy FINLAND SWEDEN ALAND ISLANDS ESTONIA LATVIA LITHUANIA DENMARK IRE D LAN UNITED KINGDOM POLAND NETHERLANDS GERMANY BELGIUM CZECH LUXEMBOURG REPUBLIC AKIA SLOV AUSTRIA SLOVENIA HUNGARY ROMANIA FRANCE eu elections news analysis FAROE ISLANDS SHETLAND ISLANDS FINLAND Communicating Europe Michèle Sabban sets out what the AER is doing to bring the younger generation into European political life uropean legislative elections provide an opportunity for us to respond to a disturbing trend within Eu Gender Equality in the Baltic Sea Region Union of Baltic Cities – more than 100 cities around the Baltic sea Union of the Baltic Cities (UBC) is a voluntary, proactive network mobilizing the shared potential of over 100 member cities for democratic, economic, social, cultural and environmentally sus CEMR general assembly news analysis NORRBOTTEN Part of the solution Marie Bullet argues that Europe’s regions must be courageous and lead by example on developing low carbon economies VARMLAND VASTERBOTTEN VASTERNORRLAND JAMTLAND GAVLEBORG KOPPARBERG UPPSALA VASTMANLAND OREBRO SODERMANLAND Sto news analysis NORRBOTTEN CEMR GENERAL ASSEMBLY VASTERBOTTEN VASTERNORRLAND JAMTLAND GAVLEBORG KOPPARBERG The coal face of democracy Local government leaders from the EU and beyond met in Sweden to discuss the pressing issues in their part of the world. Francesca Ross was there he train that run CEMR GENERAL ASSEMBLY news analysis directly affects the funding and success of many projects which those in local government hold dear. David Sweet, policy advisor to the commission’s DG Regio gave a speech on the future of the various funding strategies. He asked questions such as how best to in The Energy Agency for Southeast Sweden he Energy Agency for Southeast Sweden is an Energy Agency that operates in three different business lines: T • • • Energy – Energy efficiency and renewable energy. Transport – Fuel, mobility management and goods transport. Learning and Lifestyle – Informat C U LT U R A L T O U R I S M , A G R O W I N G P O W E R I N D E V E L O P I N G VÄ S T R A G Ö TA L A N D Culture and tourism are strong points in Västra Götaland. Combine the two and you’ve got a powerhouse for growth. This is why Region Västra Götaland is increasingly active in advancing cultural European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control Working in partnership to strengthen Europe’s defences against infectious diseases www.ecdc.europa.eu Based in Stockholm, Sweden, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) monitors, assesses and communicates threats to human hea Swedish EU presidency cover story NORRBOTTEN Lulea In the driving seat The Swedish presidency will push for a deal on climate change, a strategy for the Baltic Sea region and EU unity in tackling the financial crisis, says Cecilia Malmström o say that Europe is facing massive challenges may soun cover story Swedish EU presidency but we will try our utmost. The EU can show leadership on the climate issue. But it requires that the we act as one and honour our previous commitments. The economic crisis cannot be used as an excuse when the bill of the climate package is to be paid. European cit The North Bothnia Line fills the till T he North Bothnia Line is an important and profitable venture. The trunk line through Northern Sweden has serious shortcomings with too many large gradients and too many tight curves for today’s long heavy freight trains. With the North Bothnia Line, a modern Masterclass MålsElv januari 2009 The participants at the Master Class in January 2009 in MålsElv/Tromsö, arranged by Film Arc. Representing all kinds of companies within the audiovisual sector in the north of Scandinavia. Photographer: Sarah Arildsson THE FILM ARC breaking borders for global busine swedish eu presidency cover story NORRBOTTEN Lulea Life is Swede The Committee of the Regions has joined forces with Sweden’s incoming presidency in a bid to highlight what both see as the most pressing priorities facing the EU. Martin Banks reports he key priorities of the Swedish presidency of cover story swedish eu presidency The Baltic Sea strategy will be a key priority for the Swedish presidency security and climate change,” he added. “It would also give the CoR the power to go to the European courts where the principle of subsidiarity was deemed to have been breached.” Van den Brand Gransleden A walking route from Fjord to High Mountains G ransleden is a newly established walking route from Sorfjorden in Tysfjord municipality in Norway crossing the Norwegian Swedish border to Ahkajavrre in Gellivare municipality, Sweden. Gellivare has approximately 19,000 inhabitants and lie Unique collaboration in northern Europe Vision System Platform The Vision System Platform is a research platform, a platform for collaboration. It is a concept, a way of working in a new type of organization that started January 1, 2009. Several different networks in Sweden and Finland are linked to The border is no barrier he efforts to enhance the process industry in northern part of Finland and Sweden have made the process industry, the SME:s and the researchers in the region come together. Today this northern region is an expanding part of Europe where high developed process industry collab Northern Sweden a region with a great potential N orthern Sweden has great potential to be an active part in implementing the Baltic Sea Strategy through a well established network of local and regional politicians in the European Forum for Northern Sweden. With this network and strong links with Swedish EU presidency cover story NORRBOTTEN Lulea Regional dynamics The economic crisis has put the spotlight on Sweden’s regional growth policy, say Maud Olofsson and Åsa Torstensson he Swedish government is pursuing an active regional growth policy giving all regions the opportunity to develo cover story Swedish EU presidency Maud Olofsson Åsa Torstensson Maud Olofsson is Sweden’s enterprise and energy minister Åsa Torstensson is Sweden’s communications minister Local, regional and national dynamic development is dependent on how well the unique conditions that are found locally and T Sture Nordh Chairman CO (The Swedish Confederation for Professional Employees) comprises 16 affiliated trade unions. The 1.2 million members of these unions are professionals and qualified employees who share a major responsibility for important functions in society, although in a wide variety of ENERGY SOURCES FOR THE FUTURE In Västra Götaland, the good life takes on many expressions. Our role deals with health and medical services as well as sustainable regional development. But it is also about the creation of meeting-places and the harnessing of good ideas and creativity. This may involv Swedish EU presidency cover story Göteborg, where key decision makers will meet in November to discuss regional implementation of the Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs JAMTLAND Ostersund NORRBOTTEN Lulea VASTERBOTTEN Umea VASTERNORRLAND Harnosand Six months of Europe Anders Knape sets out cover story Swedish EU presidency change conference in Copenhagen in December. Climate change mitigation is a key issue for the Swedish presidency and one where we will seek to support the Swedish government’s efforts to help reach an agreement. To this end, we will use the meeting of environment m Study The route to Progress and Territorial Collaboration Interreg forum 2008 (Photo: Maria Evertsson) M ore efficient transport, cooperation between universities and solutions to tackle joint environmental problems are examples of projects implemented via the EU’s territorial cooperation program cover story swedish EU presidency NORRBOTTEN Lulea VASTERBOTTEN Umea JAMTLAND VASTERNORRLAND Ostersund Harnosand GAVLEBORG Be prepared Margot Wallström expects Sweden to use its six month presidency to tackle Europe’s challenges with openness and vigour he second half of 2009 will be an inter swedish EU presidency cover story Margot Wallström with commission president José Manuel Barroso (second from right) Portuguese prime minister José Sócrates (right) and foreign minister Luís Amado (left) outside Lisbon’s Jeronimos monastery, before the signing the Lisbon treaty in December 2007 t for the advancement of vocational training he assignment from the EU Commission is to promote European mobility and integration for economic and personal development and to improve employability. This is the background of our project in which we try to create common EU educational standards/units us Swedish EU presidency cover story NORRBOTTEN Lulea Green thinking For Ulla Hamilton, green issues are important across all aspects of a city’s administration eing selected as European green capital of 2010 is a great honour. This award is the result of a strong team effort in which everyone in o On the road to a world class institute sector ISE Holding is a company owned by the Swedish government that partly or wholly owns industry research institutes. Our task is to develop and renew the sector into a sustainable world class institute sector and attain our main aim to increase Sweden’s gro Swedish EU presidency cover story NORRBOTTEN Lulea Leading by example The City of Malmö has developed and implemented its own Baltic Sea strategy to tackle environmental and economic challenges, explains Ilmar Reepalu limate, energy and the environment. Jobs, growth, competitiveness and the Balt cover story Swedish EU presidency is to enable the city to achieve its overall objectives as a local authority within the Baltic Sea region. Malmö has decided to focus on three priority areas in close consultation with local and regional actors and to target climate challenges and business developm NRC The Swedish National Federation of Women Resource Centres (WRC) the same conditions and opportunities concerning employment, working conditions, development potential and entrepreneurship and to promote a distribution of power and influence based on Gender Equality. The Swedish Regional Policy f Väsby Town stunning nature open for business creative people family friendly home of vikings Great place Proud people www.upplandsvasby.se www.vasbystad.se Väsby town Swedish EU presidency cover story NORRBOTTEN Lulea Resource management The EU must see northern Sweden as one of its key suppliers of raw materials, says Andreas Lind VARMLAND Karlstad Vanern VASTERBOTTEN Umea JAMTLAND VASTERNORRLAND Ostersund Harnosand GAVLEBORG KOPPARBERG Gavle Falun UPPS BONUS-169 TOP science for better management of the Baltic Sea e live in a knowledge-based society, and therefore it is axiomatic that good political decisions have to be based on good scientific knowledge. This is particularly true when dealing with the management and regulation of human activities Copyright: Rodeo.fi Copyright: Ilkka Lastumäki/Finnish Institute of Marine Research Sixteen international consortia of researchers belonging to the BONUS Programme have joined their forces to address the urgent knowledge needs to save the environment of the Baltic Sea and achieve sustainability of THE E12 CORRIDOR Opportunities for East-West Collaboration he Kvarken Council welcomes the strategy for the Baltic Sea (BSR) Region, and expects it to play an important role in the future development of the region. It is vital that the conditions and prerequisites for the whole geography of the BSR Swedish EU presidency cover story Harmony on the high seas? A sustainable Baltic Sea strategy could also boost innovation and create opportunity, argues Uno Aldegren FINLAND SWEDEN NORWAY ESTONIA LATVIA DENMARK RUSSIA LITHUANIA POLAND GERMANY I n June the commission will present its Baltic cover story Swedish EU presidency Uno Aldegren is a member of the Committee of the Regions for Skåne and rapporteur on the Baltic Sea Strategy it is therefore of great importance that the Baltic states will integrate with the power grids of the Nordic countries and the rest of Europe. Both a secur ENERGY AGENCY OF PODRAVJE Institution for sustainable energy use aribor is second the biggest town in Slovenia. Municipality of Maribor with its Energy agency of Podravje (EnergaP) is one of the most advanced local authorities in sustainable energy management in Slovenia. We are proud that Maribor w DEMOCRACY IN DEVELOPMENT A DEBATE AT THE EUROPEAN DEVELOPMENT DAYS STOCKHOLM 22–24 OCTOBER 2009 new report presenting a suite of propositions for strengthening the democracy building dimension of EU policies and actions will be officially launched at the European Development Days in Stockholm in Oc Swedish EU presidency cover story Joined up thinking Nordic countries must work together to achieve results, argues Sinikka Bohlin he condition of the Baltic Sea, relationships with our neighbours and the challenges posed by globalisation are the top priorities for the Swedish presidency of the No cover story Swedish EU presidency FINLAND SWEDEN NORWAY ESTONIA LATVIA Less words, more action The economic crisis, combined with environmental and climate change threats present huge challenges for the Baltic Sea strategy, writes Per Bødker Andersen oncrete, focused and innovative – this is how Swedish EU presidency cover story involvement of the stakeholders in the region in early stages of preparation as well, and in particular, in implementation of the strategy.” We want to see an EU strategy that focuses on the concrete actions and provides instruments of accountability – ideas and w The Baltic Sea Network on Occupational Health and Safety Network since 1995 The Baltic Sea Network on Occupational Health and Safety (BSN) of the occupational health and safety (OSH) institutions in the three Baltic States and the Nordic Countries was established in 1995. It was soon expanded as the Suvi Lehtinen Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH) Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A FI-00250 Helsinki, Finland email: suvi.lehtinen@ttl.fi tel: +358-30-474 2344 www.ttl.fi/BOHS The road transport sector and development of occupational health services, including the BOHS approach are important act Mutant p53 as a target for improved cancer treatment he p53 tumor suppressor plays a critical role in the prevention of cancer. However, it is mutated and therefore non-functional in 50% of human cancers. Mutant p53-carrying tumors often show poor response to conventional therapy such as radiotherap Creativity and innovation policy focus FAROE ISLANDS SHETLAND ISLANDS ORKNEY ISLANDS HERBRIDES Gotland FINLAND Capacity for change Creativity and innovation is crucial for Europe’s economic and social recovery, says Ján Figel’ uropean integration in the EU is arguably the most innovative politic policy focus creativity and innovation Committee of the Regions Education commissioner Ján Figel’ addresses the creativity forum in April Ján Figel’ is EU education, training, culture and youth commissioner organised together with the commission in April. The forum involved creative talents as w TRANSPLAN Energy planning, local involvement and ACTION F ive islands with strong visions are planning for the future energy supply where fossil fuel is replaced by renewable energies. We want to be sustainable islands and we mobilize our citizens, involve our companies, exchange experience and ac policy focus creativity and innovation FAROE ISLANDS SHETLAND ISLANDS ORKNEY ISLANDS HERBRIDES Gotland FINLAND SWEDEN ALAND ISLANDS ESTONIA LATVIA LITHUANIA DENMARK IRE D LAN UNITED KINGDOM POLAND NETHERLANDS GERMANY BELGIUM CZECH LUXEMBOURG REPUBLIC AKIA SLOV AUSTRIA SLOVENIA HUNGARY ROMANIA Creativity and innovation policy focus Kiel Stralsund SCHLESWIGHOLSTEIN MECKLENBURG-VORPOMMERN Bremerhaven Emden Oldenburg Bremen Hamburg Schwerin NIEDERSACHSEN Hannover Braunschweig Mϋnster BRANDENBURG Berlin Potsdam Magdeburg Frankfurt Going creative Globalisation should be embraced as a driv policy focus creativity and innovation The Regional Review spoke to young innovators about what the European creativity forum means to them The creativity forum is a meaningful event for Tamer Nakisci, an industrial designer from Istanbul. For the 27-year-old, showcasing his project in the science, Creativity and innovation policy focus Ján Figel (second from right) with members of the panel at the creativity forums afternoon debate “Creativity and innovation are the qualities to overcome the crisis faster and smoother” Ján Figel’ the economic crisis. “When I introduced the idea [of the Eur policy focus Urban regeneration FAROE ISLANDS SHETLAND ISLANDS ORKNEY ISLANDS HERBRIDES Gotland FINLAND SWEDEN ALAND ISLANDS ESTONIA LATVIA LITHUANIA DENMARK LA IRE ND UNITED KINGDOM POLAND NETHERLANDS GERMANY BELGIUM CZECH LUXEMBOURG REPUBLIC AKIA SLOV AUSTRIA SLOVENIA HUNGARY ROMANIA FRANC Urban regeneration policy focus A man walks in front of a fuel refinement plant during the 2002 environmental summit in Johannesburg, South Africa model is able to guarantee new economic perspectives. The CPMR also wishes to exchange experiences between regional politicians. This will conclude in policy focus Urban regeneration FAROE ISLANDS SHETLAND ISLANDS ORKNEY ISLANDS HERBRIDES Gotland FINLAND SWEDEN ALAND ISLANDS ESTONIA LATVIA LITHUANIA DENMARK LA IRE ND UNITED KINGDOM POLAND NETHERLANDS GERMANY BELGIUM CZECH LUXEMBOURG REPUBLIC AKIA SLOV AUSTRIA SLOVENIA HUNGARY ROMANIA FRANC FORUM EUROPA NOSTRA FOR THE BALTIC SEA REGION he year of 2009 has been announced by the Pomeranian Regional Assembly as the year of the Baltic Sea Region. This is not coincidental, especially as the Baltic cooperation has always been a political priority of the regional administration operating for policy focus urban regeneration FAROE ISLANDS SHETLAND ISLANDS ORKNEY ISLANDS HERBRIDES Gotland FINLAND SWEDEN ALAND ISLANDS ESTONIA LATVIA LITHUANIA DENMARK IR N ELA D UNITED KINGDOM POLAND NETHERLANDS GERMANY BELGIUM CZECH LUXEMBOURG REPUBLIC AKIA SLOV AUSTRIA SLOVENIA HUNGARY ROMANIA FR Urban regeneration TRENTINO ALTO ADIGE VALLE DAOSTA LOMBARDIA policy focus FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA VENETO PERMONTE LIGURIA EMILIA ROMAGNA Leaders in partnership The Progetta initiative has achieved significant results in its first year, says Gianlorenzo Martini rogetta was conceived in December 20 Welcome to Luxembourg, an exceptional city for exceptional events! n bygone days the winding lanes reflected the echo of cannon thunder and clashing of swords. Nowadays, a stone’s throw away from you, big city amenities are paired with the character of a smaller, clearly laid out capital, to create Territorial cohesion Special report FAROE ISLANDS SHETLAND ISLANDS ORKNEY ISLANDS HERBRIDES Gotland FINLAND Breaking new ground Jan Olbrycht talks to Francesca Ross about the creation of the regional development committee in the European parliament egional development joined the list of committe SPECIAL REPORT TRENTINO ALTO ADIGE VALLE DAOSTA LOMBARDIA PIEDMONT LIGURIA EMILIA ROMAGNA VENETO FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA Territorial cohesion TOSCANA UMBRIA MARCHE ABRUZZI LAZIO MOLISE CAMPANIA PUGLIA BASILICATA Ever closer cooperation Simplifying regional cooperation procedures can have big bene GRAINCONT Increasing the Strength of Steel by Additions/Formation of Micron-sized Non-metallic Particles he GRAINCONT project, coordinated by the Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, is funded by the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS). A consortium has been formed consisting of partners f Special report Territorial cohesion FAROE ISLANDS SHETLAND ISLANDS ORKNEY ISLANDS HERBRIDES Gotland FINLAND SWEDEN ALAND ISLANDS ESTONIA LATVIA LITHUANIA DENMARK IRE LA ND UNITED KINGDOM POLAND NETHERLANDS GERMANY BELGIUM CZECH LUXEMBOURG REPUBLIC AKIA SLOV AUSTRIA SLOVENIA HUNGARY ROMANIA Territorial cohesion Special report FAROE ISLANDS SHETLAND ISLANDS ORKNEY ISLANDS HERBRIDES Gotland FINLAND Cross cutting or cross purposes? Jean-Yves Le Drian calls on the EU to make territorial cohesion a priority o that the European project does not leave anybody by the wayside, the EU must c GREEN STREETS The Green Streets two day conference, supported by the Committee of the Regions and EUROCITIES along with media partner Regional Review, will bring together high level speakers, representatives from Europe’s regional authorities and EC project leaders to: Europe’s urban spaces REDUCIN World investment conference Special report NORD-PASDE-CALAIS PICARDIE HAUTENORMANDIE BASSE NORMANDIE The cherry on the cake Cities have a key role to play in regional development by attracting investment, supporting business and pushing forward innovation, says Renato Galliano ince the beginning SPECIAL REPORT NORD-PASDE-CALAIS PICARDIE HAUTENORMANDIE BASSE NORMANDIE BRETAGNE PAYS DE LA LOIRE La Baule World investment conference ALSACE ILE-DEFRANCE CHAMPAGNE ARDENNE LORRAINE CENTRE BOURGOGNE FRANCHECOMTE POITOU CHARENTES LIMOUSIN AUVERGNE RHONEALPES AQUITAINE MIDI-PYRENEES Set world investment conference Western Isles SPECIAL REPORT Orkney Skye Highland Grampian Tayside Mull A race to the top Tessa Jowell hopes participants in the world investment conference will help exploit the potential of the London 2012 Olympic Games Fife Central Islay GLASGOW Strathclyde Arran B Tuesday 3 November 2009 The Stanhope, Brussels Nominations are now open: www.theparliament.com/m Agriculture Culture and Education Development Economic and Monetary Affairs Employment and Social Affairs Energy Environment Food Safety Health Internal Market and Consumer Affairs Justice and Civil Lib ABRUZZO EARTHQUAKE On the 6th of April 2009, at 3,32am an earthquake of 5,8 magnitude on the Richter scale struck the city of L’Aquila and the surrounding communities, causing 300 deaths, leaving thousands injured and destroying a considerable historical and cultural heritage. After one hour public The European Investment Bank The Bank promoting regional development We support economic development in less favoured regions of the EU and in particular Cohesion and Convergence to meet the challenges of enlargement. For more information visit our website: www.eib.org The Bank promoting European