ABSTRACT
Previously, EC support has been heavily biased towards infrastructure: approximately 90 per cent of ERDF funds went to infrastructure support (transport, water and sewage treatment, industrial estates etc) in 1987 and 1988. The share was even higher in less-favoured parts of the Community. Henceforth, it is the intention to give higher priority to productive investment since this affords the best prospects for convergence, especially when combined with the development of integrated actions to realize the potential of human resources. As set out in Regulation (EEC) No 4253/88, Article 13, therefore, integrated approaches will be encouraged wherever appropriate. The balance between investment in infrastructure and investment in firms will be evaluated on a region by region basis, and this assessment will be aided by the establishment of regional development plans. In general, it is suggested that the need to improve basic infrastructures will be greatest in the least prosperous regions.
