Press Release: The Commission presents its report on the new Article 299(2) of the Treaty dealing with the outermost regions of the Community

Commission President Romano Prodi has presented a report on the outermost regions of the Community in response to a request from the Cologne European Council, in application of Article 299(2) of the Treaty. The Commission's approach is intended to enable the seven outermost regions (Canaries, Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guyana, Reunion, the Azores and Madeira) to derive maximum benefit from European integration and play a full part in Europe. On the basis of contributions from the Member States and the regions concerned, the report assesses the achievements of the policies followed since 1989 and puts forward a strategy for the future which will lead to sustainable development for the outermost regions. This strategy is based on three elements: support for traditional economic activities (agriculture and fisheries), a fresh boost for the economy and regional cooperation.