EU funds will help Germany's Eastern border regions compete with Poland

The European Union (EU) has announced plans to give euro 11 billion to Germany's Eastern border regions in order to improve their infrastructure. Part of the funds will go to businesses in the regions, to help them compete with their Polish and Czech counterparts. Commissioner for EU Expansion Guenter Verheugen, when asked whether the poorer Polish regions could stand up to the competition, answered, "For about 20 years entrepreneurs in this region will be competitive. After joining the EU Poland will also be provided with massive funding." At present only a third of Germans support the idea of Poland joining the EU, as they are afraid of the competition and the possible influx of Polish workers. To calm such fears, the EU has launched a Polish-German border cooperation program. Saxony in Germany and Poland's Dolny Slask will share euro 42.7 million for infrastructure investment, environmental protection and tourism. (Rzeczpospolita, p. B1) M.M.