The South West of England Regional Development Agency (South West RDA) has an important role to play in Europe. It aims to influence EU policy development and recognises that European policies, programmes and legislation have a major impact on the region.  
 
In addition, the South West RDA recognises the importance of building the image and influence of the South West of England in Europe and the benefits of working in partnership with other European regions. 

European Programmes

South West England receives significant financial support from the European Union and the South West RDA works to ensure this funding is well spent. 
 
The South West has been eligible for European Structural Funds through Objective One, Two and Three. These were available until December 2006 and regional preparations for the next programme (2007-2012) have been taking place.

Convergence Programme 
 
There will be a Convergence Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The value of the programme is expected to be approximately a third greater than Objective 1 (£350m).  
 
Partners have started to consider the priorities that the new programme should tackle, linked to the revision of the county's economic strategy, "Cornwall Strategy and Action", led by the Cornwall Economic Forum.  
 
Competitiveness Programme 
 
The whole region (except for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly) will be eligible for the Competitiveness Programme. The South West Cohesion Framework will provide the priority areas for the programme. Funding will not be known until the allocation criteria between the English regions are agreed by the UK Government.  
 
Territorial Co-operation programme 
 
The whole region will be eligible for the Territorial Co-operation programme, which is aimed at supporting co-operation between European regions on issues of common interest (e.g. environment, transport, maritime, sustainable communities, tourism etc.). This programme is divided in three strands: cross-border, trans-national and inter-regional activities.

Further details are available from the Europa website or the Commission Representation in the UK.

South West UK Brussels Office

The South West UK Brussels Office gives the South West of England a unified voice in Brussels. The office is supported by a partnership of key public sector organisations and works to:

• ensure the European institutions fully understand the needs and opportunities of the South West and its sub-regions;
• provide partners with the information and intelligence necessary for them to optimise the benefit of EU membership;
• develop transnational links with other EU regions.

For more information on the work of the South West RDA in Europe, please contact: 
 
Matthieu Havard 
European Policy Adviser 
T: + 44 (0)117 933 0265 
F: + 44 (0)117 927 6466 
Email: matthieu.havard@southwestrda.org.uk 
 
100 Temple Street  
Bristol, BS1 6AE  
England