It was with some interest that I read the BBC report that Wales is no longer one of Europe’s poorest regions and was at risk of losing its £1.3bn funding. This is hardly surprising given the expansionist nature of the EU over recent years- Romania and Bulgaria being obvious examples of ‘poorer’ nations- but the development is still a concern. Many Welsh communities have benefited from European money as roads and infrastructure have seen marked improvements. Im not arguing that Wales remains a “poor” nation- it is anything but although the job on transformation is still a work in progress. We all know the challenges facing a number of Welsh towns in terms of development and the road and rail links between North and South Wales have long since become a national joke.
As we watch the developments at a European level unfold, Im hoping that politicians of all colours start to address this issue. Long term projects and infrastructure programmes are not headline grabbing vote winners but they make a real difference to peoples lives.
