Development issues and structural intervention problems concerning Objectives 1, 2 and 5b in Spain. Report

In adopting the report by Mrs Angela SIERRA GONZALEZ (GUE, SP) on structural measures under Objectives 1, 2 and 5b in Spain (1994-99), Parliament noted that the major disparities between the regions of Spain have not diminished substantially after the first programming period (1988-93) despite the fact that the national average per capita (GDP) has moved noticeably closer to the Community average. Parliament welcomed the emphasis placed by the Community support framework for Objective 1 upon improving and adapting human resources and improving the quality of life at the expense of infrastructure. However, it criticized the fact that a greater share of the investment in transport networks has been in road rather than rail infrastructures, and that more favourable financing terms have been offered for road construction than for the improvement of rail infrastructures. According to the report, the allocation of substantial resources for transport networks in the programming for Objective 2 (40% of all ERDF measures in 1994 and 1995 and 25% in 1996) should not be at the expense of the economic redevelopment priorities set for Objective 2 areas. �