WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3572/98 by Astrid THORS Transport of cash
C 289/62 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 11. 10. 1999 (1999/C 289/081) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3569/98 by Manuel Escolá Hernando (ARE) to the Commission (1 December 1998) Subject: Rural exodus The rural exodus affecting large parts of the Autonomous Community of Aragon has resulted in the total abandonment of over one hundred villages in recent decades. Many of the former inhabitants of these villages migrated to cities in view of the lack of prospects in their places of origin whilst others had to leave their homes as a result of expropriations in connection with water management works or other projects. At present, new sources of income provided by the tourism, leisure and outdoor pursuits industry and the growth in second homes have allowed some of these villages to be brought back to life. In fact, there are already over a dozen projects in the Aragonese Pyrenees, supported by various citizens’ associations and by the former inhabitants of some of these villages who have requested the return of their former homes, which show that this is viable. However, in most cases, the lack of basic infrastructure such as the supply of drinking water and electricity, access roads, waste tips etc. constitutes an obstacle to the realization of such rehabilitation projects. In view of the implications of such projects in terms of town and country planning, the repopulation of run- down areas, job and wealth creation and environmental protection, does the Commission consider that it would be possible to lend support to such social initiatives, particularly given the potential benefits to society as a whole? Does the Commission currently provide any support? Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (18 January 1999) Infrastructure renewal for abandoned villages can be part-financed from the Structural Funds, notably the Guidance Section of the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund under Article 5(c) of Council Regulation No 2085/93 (1). It is however necessary to demonstrate the value of the investments for rural development, their cost-effectiveness in securing the objectives set out in the single programming document (SPD), their viability and their contribution to job creation. The purpose of village renewal is to develop the area in question and improve the living conditions and quality of life of its inhabitants. This does not rule out a spillover benefit to owners of second homes or to the pursuit of other activities from infrastructure improvement under a project of general scope. Under the SPD for the Aragon Region, the Structural Funds are part-financing some village renewal and development projects. Projects are selected, in line with the priorities set in the SPD, by the national, regional and local authorities responsible for the Member State’s financial contribution. It is up to these authorities to select the projects of greatest interest. There is no specific bar on renewal of abandoned villages. (1) OJ L 193, 31. 7. 1993. (1999/C 289/082) WRITTEN QUESTION P-3572/98 by Astrid Thors (ELDR) to the Commission (18 November 1998) Subject: Transport of cash The Finnish Cabinet has taken a decision in principle to adopt an action programme for 1999-2001 aimed at combating economic crime and the ‘grey’ economy