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One of the few good things about the new EU budget was that the traditional grant programs were cut a bit.
In many countries, they contribute to increased corruption, but even when not misled, projects rarely do the public good. The National Audit Office reviewed the rural development program in 2018 and was surprised by the inefficiency.
For the rural development program, the new EU budget means a reduction. But sadly, there will be no less money for it.
The center’s leader, Annie Lööf, proudly declares that, thanks to her party, the Swedish state will step in and cover 2021 and 2022 so that the subsidy level is the same: SEK 5.2 billion per year.
Rural residents don’t benefit from fluffy, optimistic projects
It is an accident. Not least for small towns and sparsely populated areas. Because they are not served by all these hopeful projects that fall within the rural program.
In the past seven years, Sweden has received SEK 36 billion from the EU for the program. Most of it goes to farmers’ production, but just over SEK 12 billion has been awarded to support projects and businesses.
In addition, just over a billion kronor has been distributed through the sea and fish program.
In both programs there are large and small. For example, SEK 800,000 in grants to build a new crematorium for small animals a mile and a half from Västerås Cathedral.
Residents of Bromölla, Kristianstad, Osby, Östra Göinge, Tomelilla, Simrishamn, Sjöbo and Ystad who want to travel to Luxembourg and Finland can join a project on circular economy. The EU contributes 365,000 SEK for study visits.
A man from the west coast was awarded $ 1.4 million to build a seafood restaurant.
Here maybe one or two pub owners curse that they had no idea you can get a grant. But it is better to get angry because there is the possibility of support.
Some who really know what EU grants are available are the authorities that distribute them. Therefore, the Swedish Board of Agriculture has allocated SEK 5 million in 2016-2022 to network with the Swedish Maritime Administration.
It is completely dizzying. The grant carousel must stop.
Broadband, on the other hand, is vital to the field. Being able to work, shop, receive care, and have fun.
But after the efforts of Annie Lööf, it will only lead to worse motion sickness. So far, the investment account of the rural development program has had at least one element that is really vital for the residents: money for the expansion of broadband. Now the total level must remain, even though the contributions to the fiber cable will disappear from there.
So important to being able to work, shop, get care and play in the field, broadband has its own budget line. SEK 1.6 billion in total next year, the following year SEK 800 million.
That’s good, but the government needs to be flexible and also, if necessary, everyone with reasonable requests should be supported.
Fast internet connection is a must for more people wanting to stay or move to the countryside. It benefits everyone. The project money only benefits a few subsidized sharks.
