2014年-CEPS欧洲政策研究中心_Establishing_Suitable_Strategies_to_Improve_Sustainable_Development_in_the_Portuguese_Ultraperipheral_Regions_of_Madeira_and_the_41页_115kb

Summary of "Establishing Suitable Strategies to Improve Sustainable Development in the Portuguese Ultraperipheral Regions of Madeira and the Azores"

Core Content

This report, prepared for the Portuguese Secretary of State for European Affairs, examines the implications of the new Article 299.2 in the Treaty of Amsterdam for the ultraperipheral regions of the Azores and Madeira. It emphasizes the need for a tailored approach to support these regions, which face unique challenges due to their geographical isolation, small size, and difficult topography.

The report is structured into two main parts: Analysis and Recommendations. The Analysis section evaluates the current economic and infrastructural conditions, while the Recommendations section proposes strategies to improve sustainable development.

Main Points and Key Information

1. Article 299.2 and Its Significance

• Article 299.2 of the Treaty of Amsterdam provides a legal basis for the EU to address the specific needs of ultraperipheral regions.
• It allows for special measures to be adopted by the Council, based on a qualified majority, to support these regions in areas such as trade, agriculture, energy, and transport.
• It is a significant improvement over the Maastricht Declaration and previous support programmes like POSEIMA, as it enables concrete action and financial assistance in exchange for the regions' commitment to self-sustainability.

2. Challenges of the Azores and Madeira

Common Challenges

• Both regions are geographically isolated, leading to high transport costs and limited economic opportunities.
• They suffer from low GDP per capita, with the Azores being the fifth poorest region in the EU.
• Economic dependence on a few products and lack of competition in key sectors contribute to their development constraints.

Azores Specific Issues

• Transport:
  • High costs due to distance, negative trade balance, and exclusive operating agreements.
  • Internal maritime transport is complex and expensive, with prices still higher in remote islands.
  • Air transport is also costly, with subsidized services and monopolistic arrangements.
• Energy:
  • Energy costs are significantly higher than in mainland Portugal due to import and transport expenses.
  • Electricity generation is difficult and expensive, with 40% of costs attributed to labor.
• Health Services:
  • Eight islands require distinct health services due to their dispersion.
  • High costs and limited personnel (e.g., doctors and nurses) lead to inadequate services.
  • Infant mortality rates in the Azores are higher than mainland Portugal.
• Education:
  • High per capita costs for maintaining educational systems.
  • 40% of teaching staff lack formal training.
  • Illiteracy rates have decreased over time, but quality remains a concern.

Madeira Specific Issues

• Transport:
  • Similar issues to the Azores, but with lower transport costs compared to the Azores.
• Energy:
  • Energy costs are still higher than mainland Portugal, but less extreme than in the Azores.
• Health Services:
  • Similar challenges to the Azores, with limited access to adequate medical care in remote islands.
• Agriculture and Fisheries:
  • Both sectors are underdeveloped and face high costs and low competitiveness.
• Industry and Services:
  • Limited growth due to geographical and economic constraints.
  • IT and telecommunications are underdeveloped, affecting business and public services.

Key Recommendations

1. General Proposals for Both Regions

• Adapt Structural Funds to better reflect the realities of ultraperipheral regions.
• Promote Research and Development to foster innovation and competitiveness.
• Provide permanent support for areas with permanent handicaps, such as healthcare and education.
• Allow cabotage to improve transport efficiency.
• Address institutional issues to ensure effective policy implementation.

2. Recommendations for the Azores

• Transport:
  • Encourage competition in maritime and air transport to reduce costs.
  • Review the exclusive operating agreement to ensure fair pricing and service quality.
• Energy:
  • Invest in geothermal and eolic energy to reduce reliance on imported fuel.
  • Consider submarine power cables to connect the central islands and reduce energy costs.
• Health Services:
  • Improve medical staffing and infrastructure.
  • Ensure rescue helicopters are available for urgent cases in remote islands.
• Education:
  • Focus on training and technology to improve educational quality.
  • Continue support from the European Social Fund.

3. Recommendations for Madeira

• Transport:
  • Review the monopolistic arrangements to promote competition.
• Energy:
  • Invest in renewable energy sources to reduce costs.
• Health Services:
  • Ensure equal access to healthcare across all islands.
• Agriculture and Fisheries:
  • Support rural development and diversify economic activities.
• Industry and Services:
  • Promote business development and IT infrastructure to enhance competitiveness.

Conclusion

The report underscores the unique challenges of the Azores and Madeira, emphasizing the need for a New Contract between the EU and these ultraperipheral regions. It argues that financial assistance and legal derogations should be offered in return for a clear commitment to self-sustainability. The recommendations focus on improving transport, energy, health, and education systems, as well as fostering economic diversification and innovation. The report highlights the importance of EU support in enabling these regions to overcome their structural and geographical limitations.