Announcing this decision, Michel Barnier, Commissioner for regional policy, said in particular: "Burgundy has major assets and universally recognised qualities and this single programming document seeks to develop and build on Burgundy's efforts to adapt its least favoured areas. The challenge is to improve job skills in Burgundy, where training levels are
still low, so as to capitalise on the region's possibilities and reputation, which is not used to full advantage. At the end of neg
otiations of a very high standard, the Commission'
...[+++]s main priorities concurred with those of the Burgundy Region. Retaining the existing population and attracting new people to the Region, economic development, employment, promoting equal opportunities and new information and communication technology, environmental protection and territorial solidarity will be the focuses of a proactive policy designed to combat the disadvantages of this Region".
Au terme d'une négociation dont je dois souligner la bonne qualité, les grandes priorités de la Commission ont rejoint celles de la Bourgogne. Le maintien et l'attrait de nouvelles populations, le développement économique, l'emploi, la promotion de l'égalité des chances et des Nouvelles Technologies de l'Information et de la Communication, la protection de l'environnement et de la solidarité territoriale, font ainsi l'objet d'une politique volontariste propre à lutter contre les handicaps de cette région.