On the eve of the French referendum on the EU Constitution, a conference of thirty three political parties representing the nations and regions of Europe has condemned UK plans to repatriate EU regional policy. This could spell the end of European structural funds for Wales.

The European Free Alliance is holding its General Assembly at the Breton Regional Assembly, Rennes, Brittany. Plaid Cymru Deputy Leader Jill Evans MEP is tackling the issue along with other national and regional politicians.

Jill Evans MEP addresses the General Assembly in Brittany

The European Free Alliance is writing to UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, as the UK will shortly take over the EU Presidency, to express their concern over the UK's intention to repatriate EU Regional Policy.

Speaking from Rennes, Brittany, Jill Evans MEP said:

"This will have disastrous consequences for the areas of Wales which qualify for Objective One funding, and other regions across Europe in a similar position. These funds are potentially worth billions annually to many regions in Europe and the many parts of Wales which benefit in terms of Objective One, Two and Three funding.

European Structural Funds are the most powerful redistributive tool available to Wales. Properly used they have the potential to transform the Welsh economy as the success of the Republic of Ireland has shown. Following structural funds, wealth per capita in Ireland went on to exceed that of the UK.

New Labour's policy promises a spiral of economic decline in Wales and must be stopped. We are not alone in this fight - other parts of Europe face similar challenges and we'll be standing shoulder to shoulder to defend our interests."

Notes: Signatories to the statement include delegates from the Netherlands, France, and English regions such as Cornwall.

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