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Horizontal Themes

The European Commission requires that all Programmes receiving Structural Funds address two horizontal themes central to the key aims of the Commission; these are Equal Opportunities and Sustainable Development.

The EC Regulation governing the implementation of European Structural Funds during the period 2000 – 2006 states that:

“[in the efforts to promote regional development, the Community seeks to promote] harmonious, balanced and sustainable development of economic activities, a high level of employment, equality between men and women and a high level of protection and improvement of the environment.”

In pursuing these aims, Scotland’s Structural Funding Partnerships have sought to embed these “horizontal themes” into their Programmes’ formulation, implementation and evaluation.

The implementation of the Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme continues to ensure that both themes are addressed and mainstreamed within the Programme’s strategic objectives. 

Linking Sustainable Development to Regional Development was recently produced with Scottish Natural Heritage and Scottish Environmental Protection Agency. The report shows how placing emphasis on environmental sustainability can make real and lasting contributions to economic development and social inclusion. 

Mainstreaming Equal Opportunities not only allows for positive action, it underpins it. This will support a wide range of activities, e.g. single-sex training initiatives, either to equip people to work in jobs more often carried out by members of the opposite sex or to return to work after a period at home looking after children or other dependants. Positive action under existing UK legislation can be targeted at either men or women. To achieve such integration, account has been taken of mainstreaming equality, equality with employment, and information on equal opportunities.

Through the implementation of the individual Priorities, the Programme is taking forward its commitment to sustainable development through having regard to a number of environmental aspirations and by encouraging applicants to take on board actions across each Priority which reduce energy consumption and use renewable practises where practicable; encourage new developments which have good access to public transport, walking and cycling; support initiatives which involve greater local decision making and local community involvement; encourage development of environmental training; and encourage local added-value to primary production, making local economies more integrated and financially sustainable.