Increasing Somerset’s influence in Europe

Somerset County Council is keen to look to the future EU funding programmes post-2013, and the Economy Group is actively participating in discussions to determine the resources that will be available to Somerset, in terms of the priorities laid out in the Somerset County Plan.

In January, Somerset County Council participated in a consultation on the overarching Europe 2020 Strategy, which sets out the main policies and targets for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. The Economy Group is also advancing Somerset’s interests by actively contributing to the South West’s lobbying position and activities in relation to Cohesion Policy and Structural Funds post- 2013, with Paul Hickson (Economy Group Manager) participating in the South West Cohesion Officers Group. In addition to this, on 18 May the Economy Group held a workshop in conjunction with SWUKBO exploring how Somerset can make best use of European initiatives to support the delivery of the County Plan.

Somerset County Council is also working with 27 other European Regions along the European Atlantic Coast to form an action based strategy for development, particularly in the areas of energy and innovation. A consultation from the Commission for this project is expected in the coming weeks.