These investments focused on several major areas, including economic revitalization, improvement of the living environment and tourism development. “Mons projects are mainly part of urban development aimed at strengthening the attractiveness of the Walloon territory for citizens, businesses and visitors.“, précise Adrien Dolimont.
Various projects
Over the years, this funding has made it possible to support various projects, ranging from the requalification of neighborhoods and public spaces to the restoration of heritage buildings or even the development of cultural events. The stated objective has always been to strengthen the image and attractiveness of the city, in particular through urban operations associated with cultural and tourist initiatives.
Beyond the visible achievements, the evaluations carried out by the authorities highlight concrete effects on the local and regional economy. The minister particularly emphasizes the determining role played by these funds in tourism development. “Regarding the impact of the programming on the tourism sector, the evaluator notes that the number of nights increased by 11.42% in the Province of Hainaut and mentions in particular the positive effect of the ERDF intervention on the tourism sector of the city of Mons.”
The benefits are not limited to tourism. Public investments have also generated a knock-on effect on the private sector. “The evaluation of the 2014-2020 program highlights notable multiplier effects, particularly on the private sector which has invested in housing, commerce, the economy and the renovation of Mons’ real estate assets following European and Walloon public investments.”
Beneficial for employment
The impact on employment is also highlighted in the report drawn up by the Minister-President. “Concerning the entire 2014-2020 program, the positive impacts on employment, through the creation and maintenance of jobs as well as the improvement in the match between supply and demand are proven. Considering the 4,675 jobs created with direct financial support from the ERDF, the contribution of the FEDER the net increase in employment over the period in Wallonia can be estimated at 6%.”
Finally, Adrien Dolimont emphasizes that the impact of European funds goes beyond the projects carried out directly by the City of Mons. “Beyond the funds granted specifically to the City of Mons, the Mons territory also benefited from financial support from the FEDER for projects carried out by other operators contributing to local and regional economic development with direct results in terms of creation of businesses, job creation, patents or even areas of activity zones.”
In total, these successive investments have contributed to lastingly transforming the economic and tourist landscape of Mons, confirming the structuring role of European funds in the development of the city and its region. An argument that the city will probably weigh in the balance, at a time when the European Commission is considering a profound overhaul of the budgetary architecture of the Union and where cities are no longer guaranteed to benefit from European funding as it is planned today.
Last January, Nicolas Martin (LB), mayor of Mons, confirmed joining the Task Force of Belgian Cities, set up to defend the interests of cities in ongoing negotiations at national and European level. “The European timetable is tight. It is now that the structuring choices are being made. Cities must be at the table from the start, not consulted after the fact”he insisted then.
