The Highlands and Islands of Scotland and Northern Ireland could receive less EU funding under a blueprint for spending reforms put forward by the European Commission.
But Cornwall, West Wales, South Yorkshire and Merseyside look like they will share several billion pounds in the first five years of the new millennium. They are described as among the poorest regions in Europe. The Highlands and Islands of Scotland and Northern Ireland currently receive what is known as objective one regional aid funds. The new blueprint says regions will only qualify for this if their gross domestic product per capita is 75% or less than the EU average over three years. It is assumed 1994-1996 will be the benchmark.
Financial Times 20/11/98 page 9
The Times 20/11/98 page 2
The Independent 20/11/98 page 7
The Guardian 20/11/98 page 13
