Specific programme for the modernization of the textile andclothing industry (financial assistance for Portugal)

The proposal for a regulation was approved subject to a number of major amendments: - the title was changed in order to put more emphasis on the modernization programme itself (and less on the financial assistance); - Parliament set this action back in the context of general Community actions to promote economic and social cohesion and stressed that the programme should contribute towards the improvement of the entire Portuguese textile and clothing industry; - the eligible measures and the conditions for granting Community assistance were clearly set out in an annex specifically provided for this purpose ("application arrangements"): . eligible measures: aid for financing feasibility studies for undertakings which intend to carry out modernization; aid for the redeployment of personnel whose jobs are threatened (training); temporary aid for SMEs undergoing restructuring; financing of company modernization programmes (e.g. production facilities); aid for setting up coordination teams who will be responsible for making undertakings more aware of improvements in know-how; readaptation aid to help undertakings comply with environmental requirements. . conditions of eligibility: verification that the plans being put forward by the undertakings are consistent with the Commission's overall strategy; compliance with the eligibility criteria which apply to Portugal (no specific Community scheme); compliance with national employment legislation; . implementation: Portugal is to submit an operational programme within 4 months of the Regulation being published, with the help of the regional authorities and social partners. The proposals should include a schedule of the actions which are to be implemented. The Commission shall, by 31.12.1997 at the latest, submit a report on the implementation of the programme, together with a general assessment report at the conclusion of the programme. �