ÖVP regional spokesman: EU regional policy has strengthened Burgenland
Vienna (OTS) – “The Federal Government’s Foreign and European Policy Report 2022 places a strong focus on Europe,” said today, Wednesday, ÖVP regional spokesman Abg. Nikolaus Berlakovich and particularly highlighted regional policy. “Their basic idea was always that the weaker regions would be brought closer to the higher level of prosperity of the stronger regions. That was a successful path.” Wifo also highlighted regional policy and showed that regions such as the Waldviertel or Burgenland have caught up economically significantly since joining the EU in 1995.
The MP from Burgenland paid particular attention to his home state, which was located on the Iron Curtain before joining and was in an economically disadvantaged situation. “The approval rate for joining the EU was therefore very high; people were happy to come from the edge to the center of Europe,” said the mandatary.
“At that time, Burgenland became a Target 1 area, i.e. a region whose per capita GDP was less than 75 percent of the Community average. The aim was to reduce or eliminate the development gap, which was also achieved. The development was a success story The situation for the population and the economy improved greatly,” Berlakovich continued. Even today, Burgenland still receives financial support from regional politics. To date, around 35,000 jobs have been created and secured. “This is precisely why a common Europe is important; it offers opportunities and perspectives,” concluded the MP. (Conclusion)
Questions & Contact:
Press office of the ÖVP parliamentary club
+43 1 401 10-4439 or +43 1 401 10-4432
http://www.oevpklub.at