# Council Decision of 6 December 1996 concerning the adoption of the guidelines for the indicative programmes concerning financial and technical measures to accompany the reform of economic and social structures in the framework of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership (MEDA) (96/706/EC), Division 16: In order to alleviate the short-term costs of economic transition and better prepare societies for the future, it is particularly important that this process should be accompanied by appropriate measures in the field of social policy.

Extent: E+W+S+N.I.

Rural development remains an essential strategy for combating poverty and avoiding a widening welfare gap between rural and urban populations. A large proportion of the populations of the Mediterranean partners remains attached culturally and economically to the countryside. An increased exodus towards urban areas could have socially, politically and environmentally serious consequences. Increasing efficiency in agriculture has an important role to play in improving rural standards of living, as does the development of small and micro-enterprises. Targeted programmes are also required to address essential needs such as primary health and education services, water supply and sewage as well as energy.
Particular attention should be accorded to preserving the environmental equilibrium in the partner countries through supporting the capacity-building in the field of environmental assessment, management, legislation and enforcement. Interest rate subsidies may be granted on loans of the European Investment Bank to offset the costs of improving the environment for environmental projects.
Programmes addressing the improvement of living conditions in urban areas should be supported including, where appropriate the development of social safety nets through pro-active employment policies and anti-poverty measures. This may take the form of a social fund which promotes employment for disadvantaged social sectors and also supports targeted health and education measures. Assistance may be given to the formulation of social policy, particularly in the fields of health and unemployment insurance and pension schemes.
Improvements in the social infrastructure and in the delivery of social services should be supported. Primary health may be financed also as part of the strategic objective of reducing population growth. Promotion of adequate housing should also be supported.
Improvements in the delivery of services in the field of education and training should be supported, particularly as regards primary education and vocational training for girls and women and notably in rural areas.
Measures to promote a reinforced cooperation in the field of fisheries and sustainable exploitation of marine resources.

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Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eudn/1996/706/annex/division/10/division/16 (the official version)
Page: https://openlegislation.uk/eu-decision-1996-706/annex/division-10/division-16
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.