Memo: Operational programme Italy – France Maritime 2007-2013

On 16 November 2007, the European Commission approved the 'Cross-border cooperation operational programme: Italy – Maritime France' for Community assistance from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the European Territorial Cooperation objective in Belgium, Germany, France and Luxembourg. The total cost of the programme is 162 million euros. The maximum contribution from the ERDF to the operational programme is 122 million euros, which represents around 1.4% of total EU investment under the European Territorial Cooperation objective.

The programme covers the provinces of Sassari, Nuoro, Cagliari, Oristano, Olbia-Tempio, Ogliastra, Medio Campidano, Carbonia-Iglesias, Imperia, Savona, Genoa, La Spezia, Massa-Carrara, Lucca, Livorno and Grosseto and the departments of Southern Corsica and Upper Corsica along the sea border between France and Italy. The whole cooperation area is characterised by considerable differences as regards both size and population density.

The programme covers a total area of 49 269 km2, of which 40 588 km2 is in Italy. The population of the area is 5 036 977, with 271 856 in Corsica. The unemployment rate in the cooperation area is 9.8%, bearing in mind that Sardinia has an unemployment rate of more than 16%. The average GDP is 100.5%, as compared to 107.9% in Italy and 111.4% in France.