The EU and overseas territories

The EUs outermost regions and overseas territoriesUnit PreviewI. The EUs outermost regions and overseas territoriesII. Development of OR and OSCTs of the EUIII. Case Study - Martinique: outermost region of the EU

I. Outermost Regions and Overseas Territories of the EU

Outermost regions based on the following 5 characteristics:integration into a double geo-economic space constituted, on the one hand, by a proximate geographical zone, and on the other, by a political space of belonging;relative isolation, resulting from the its distance from the European continent, reinforced by insularity or enclave status;limited extent of local domestic market, linked to the size of the population;geographical and climatic conditions limiting endogenous development of primary and secondary industries (lack of natural resources, characteristics of an archipelago, active volcanic areas etc);economic dependence on a small number of, or even a single, product.

8 ultra-peripheral or outermost regions in the EU5 French overseas departments (Runion, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Saint-Martin and Martinique), 2 Portuguese autonomous regions (Azores and Madeira) 1 Spanish autonomous community (Canary Islands).

Canary IslandsGuadeloupeThe ReunionFrench Guiana: the only non-island

AzoresCanary IslandsGuadeloupeGuianaMaderaMartiniqueThe ReunionSaint MartinMayotte*CapitalPonta DelgadaLas PalmasPointe--PitreCayenneFunchalFort-de-FranceSt DenisMarigotMamoudzouSurface area232274471628838468281128250453374Population244206240423224740083337215Density1052772482.7308356326693578GDP 2006679471509576626223Unemployment 20085.517.422.720.7621.324.53017.6EU Funds 2007-2013169819417454847816221864--*OR status in 2014EU Outermost RegionsOutline of the cohesion policy 2014-2020 proposals.The new legislative package takes account of the special circumstances of ultra-peripheral regions- the specific allocation to compensate for additional costs due to their insularity is to be maintained;- ultra-peripheral regions will continue to benefit from Community co-financing of up to 85%;- they will also receive a larger envelope of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for territorial cooperation (up from EUR150million to 275million).The European Commission is in the process of planning a new strategy for the ultra-peripheral regions, to be adopted in 2012, which will make the most of their numerous advantages.8 (now 9) Jewels in the EUs CrownEU Territorial cohesion: towards a more balanced developmentAreas with specific geographical features Mountainous areas, coastal and maritime regions, islands and archipelagos form an important part of the Union and are even more significant in some Member States. Most of the ultra-peripheral regions are islands. These, however, do not form a distinct geo-morphological area as such, but are treated as a group of 7 regions listed in the Treaty and recognised as having a number of inherent disadvantages, particularly because of the problem of accessibility caused by their remoteness from other parts of the Union.

Source: www.europa.euIslandsIslands are particularly important in the four Southern Member States, three of which are cohesion countries, though there is also a large number of islands in France, the UK and the three Nordic countries, many of them eligible for Structural Funds support. Indeed, nearly 95% of the population of EU island regions is eligible for such support. In the case of the smaller islands, accessibility is the main problem which makes it difficult to maintain economic activities which are competitive and a young work force with a high level of education. Accessibility is an even greater problem for ultra-peripheral regions. The largest islands are much better integrated into the rest of the EU economy, even if many are at present reliant on structural support to catch up with other parts of the Union.The areas identified above have marked differences in terms of their economic and social characteristics. Regional policies for furthering their development should continue to be aimed at strengthening relations between different parts of the Union rather than take the form of isolated measures specific to individual types of areas. Nevertheless, such policies should include cooperation programmes between areas of the same type, which are tailored to their particular geographical features and which can bring additional benefit.

II. Development of EU ORs and OSCTs

EU Commissioner visit to Guianas Space CenterEU funds and Regional Cooperation

The Reunion is involved in several territorial cooperation and development programs with nearby states in the Indian Ocean:Mauritius Islands, Seychelles, Madagascar,And further afield: India, AustraliaPrograms concern the environment, risk prevention (tsunamis), fishing, tourism and scientific researchStructural handicaps in CommonGeographic remoteness major handicapGeographic discontinuity brings extra costsSmall size of insular islands (exception Guyana)Located in tropical zones with high natural risks (active volcanoes, public health issues (Chikungunya)Rich in biodiversityIncomplete Economic DevelopmentPlantation Agriculture in crisis noncompetitiveIndustrial sector very weakService Sector overly dominant (80%)Highly dependent on massive importation of goodsResult: standard of living much lower than in France (30%)EU aid for economic development2 statutes: ORs (Outermost Regions) and OSCTs (Overseas Countries and Territories)ORs receive structural funds Belong to Euro zoneReceive European Development FundsFinance major infrastructure (roads, airports, ports)Aid received makes ORs areas of isolated wealth in their regional areasAttract poor population from neighboring territories (illegal immigrants)Rarely participate in regional organizations, exchange almost exclusively with their home countryOutermost Regions in the Euro Zone

The Zoom on this bill makes it possible to identity the outermost regions which use the EuroUnequal DevelopmentFrance only state whose overseas territories benefit from 2 different statutes which qualify them for EU aidORsEthnically diverseHigh demographic growthEconomic fragilityOSCTsMore autonomyNew Caledonia rich in nickelPolynesia paradise for touristsCanary Islands - Spanish ORDemographic growth fed by illegal immigration (entry to Schengen Zone)Major destination for international tourismStatute of Overseas Countries and Territories (OSCT)Integral part of territory of member States of EU but not considered part of the EU territoryEU law does not directly apply to these areasDo not benefit from structural funds whereas the OR doBelong to an associative regime by which they benefit from advantageous commercial ties (imported products not subject to import tax or restrictive quantities)OSCT benefit from EU financing through EDF (European Development Funds )2008-2013OSCT received 286 million eurosOR received 78 billion eurosIllegal Immigrants arriving in the Canary Islands

Illegal immigration in the Canary Islands increases in a regular basis. 2 modes of action: through harbors and airports (Latin Americans); small boats (Africans)Promoting Sustainable Bananas in the French West IndiesWhat organization have financed this promotional campaign? Is this poster an indicator of regional integration?

III. Case Study - Martinique

A. Double Handicap: insularity and remotenessDescriptionFigureFrench/EU comparisonSurface Area1128 km0.18% of national territoryPopulation 2012390,000 inhabitants0.6% of the French populationDensity346 inhabitants/kmFrench average: 113 inhab/kmBirth Rate 201111.4%France: 12.6%Population under 2031.5%French average: 30.8%Unemployment Rate 201221%French average: 10%GDP/inhabitant16,924 eurosEU average: 23,600 eurosA Distant French Territory: Martinique Key FactsFlight Connections: the umbilical cord with France

2011, the French government asked Air France to open direct flights between Paris CDG and MartiniqueAim: to facilitate the transfer of European tourists to Martinique# passengers in Caribbean area (excl. Guadeloupe and Guyana) represents less than 8% of total air traffic of Aim Csaire airport in Fort de FranceMount Pelle and Saint Pierre

High Risk Zones: Volcanic Activity

Mount Pelle in 2007Major eruptions in 1902 and 1929Risk of Seismic Activity

Environment and Territory

Activities and Development

Total Agricultural Production in Martinique = 188 million eurosSource: Agreste Martinique, Memento 2010B. What factors hinder or help development?

Demonstrations and Protests in 2009

Social Malaise linked to high unemployment and high cost of living especially for consumer products imported from France.Chlordecone is a pesticide used in banana plantations with serious health and environmental consequences2012 Budget of the region of MartiniqueSource: Rgion Martinique2012 Budget of the region of MartiniqueTotal = 387 million eurosSource: Rgion MartiniqueTourism

C. Martinique in the Caribbean Regional AreaKey Questions:In what ways is Martinique an example of isolated wealth in the Caribbean?What elements can contribute to a common Caribbean identity?What actions can reinforce Martiniques integration in the region?Martinique in the Caribbean Region

What can you say about Martinique compared to her neighbors? How can you explain the migratory flows?Common Identity based on historical past

Festival to commemorate the abolition of slavery in Martinique (1998)Reinforcing Regional IntegrationIn 2011, the Region made the decision to propose Martiniques membership in various regional Caribbean organizations. The application process was therefore begun for the OECO (Organization of Eastern Caribbean states) Consultative, Cooperative and Concerted Action Organization for several countries and dependences in the Eastern West Indies.CARICOM (Caribbean Community including 14 member states and 6 associated members)CEPALC (Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean) regional commission of the UN2 Pilot Programs2011 Regional collectivity decided to begin cooperative actions with the region of Para, BrazilThemes broached:Energy developmentBiomass importation2011 Cooperative Project with AntiguaTourism sector

Regional Cooperation for Seismic Activity

Case Study Questions:What are the specific characteristics of Martinique in terms of:EnvironmentPopulationTerritorial organizationWhat hinders or contributes to its development? Demonstrate the assets and limits of development in MartiniqueWhat effects does its OR status have on the island?What policies or actions are taken to improve Martiniques regional attachment to the Caribbean area?