PARIS, 29 jan 2008 (AFP) - 18 h 05 Paris time - The deputies adopted on Tuesday unanimously a bill UMP aiming at allowing the regions with a measure of autonomy to reinforce their cross-border cooperation, through a new tool: the European grouping of territorial cooperation (GECT).

Introduced by the deputy of the North Mark - Philippe Daubresse (UMP), the text must again be transmitted on examination of the Senate.

He aims at transposing into the general code of regions with a measure of autonomy European regulations of July 5th, 2006 which envisage that GECT has as object to make easier and to promote cross-border, transnational and/or interregional ( ) cooperation in exclusive purpose to reinforce economic and social cohesion . An unique, clear legal status, shared on all Community territory is a true trump for the development of plans which want to lead together regions with a measure of autonomy , underlined Mich le Alliot-Marie (inside).

The speakers Jean - Jacques Candelier (PCF), Francis Vercamer (NC), Christian Vanneste (UMP) and Bernard Roman (PS), every elected representatives from the North, brought their support of the text, greeting the next transformation of the Eurometropolis Lille-Courtrai-Tournai into GECT.

The deputies approved an amendment of Jean-Claude Guibal (UMP) enlarging this tool of cooperation in countries members of the European Council (Europe of 47), such as Monaco and Andorra.

Legal structures of cooperation with foreign groups are currently SEML (Society of local mixed economy), GIP (Grouping of public interest), the European Region and local Grouping of cross-border cooperation.

Cooperations exist between French groups and Belgian, Luxembourg, German, Helvetic, Italian and Spanish partners, in so various domains as the water supply or their treatment, adult continuing education, building of a bridge, maintenance of a fireboat, management of an archaeological site or the working of a cable.