Euro cash discussions about Wales

Ieuan Wyn Jones is to tell senior officials how Wales is coping

The European Commission has been told how Wales is responding to the current economic downturn at a meeting with the deputy first minister.

Ieuan Wyn Jones met senior officials to discuss the EU's Economic Recovery Plan.

The plan includes the £3.3bn West Wales & the Valleys Convergence programmes -the successor scheme to Objective 1.

"In tackling the recession, we need to make best use of European funding available to Wales," said Mr Jones.

"And that includes ensuring that we have the flexibility to deploy funds where they are most needed and also maximise their impact," Mr Jones, who is also the minister for the economy and transport, said beforehand.

"We have pledged to do everything within our power to help families, businesses and communities in Wales during this difficult time and today we will be putting our case directly to the European Commission.

"It is very important that we maintain the dialogue with Brussels on the challenges we are facing and the opportunities the recovery will bring."

Recovery

He will also discuss how European funding can be used to support struggling businesses.

The EU Economic Recovery Plan, announced in November 2008, was introduced to help member states and regions respond to the current economic downturn.

The proposals include the better targeting of resources to prevent unemployment and raise skill levels in line with labour market needs.

There are also proposals to provide more investment in improving energy efficiency in low income households.

The assembly government said that out of the £3.6bn given to Wales, more than £1bn has been invested to support 28,000 businesses, as well as support 240,000 people to improve their skills and find a job.