EU: a new legal instrument for trans-European co-operation

The official Journal of the European Communities published on 31th july 2006 (n°1082/2006 ?L) an important regulation which allows to « all contracting authorities » to form a partnership to implement better the objective 3 « European territorial co-operation », included in the new 2007-2013 European structural funds. The regulation gives the Member States one year from its announcement to ensure its effective application. The European Grouping of territorial Co-operation ?EGTC- will offer to any legal entity under public law registered in one Member State to be an active player of the European territorial co-operation in areas such transport, health, education and nature protection. Like other instruments, the EGTC will have a broad purpose and will act on behalf its members. For the time being, only some administrations are aware about this facility which opens prospects for more effective links between the non profit sector and private companies or public-sector establishments. www.espaces-transfrontaliers.eu