With the help of aid from the European Union and Baden-Württemberg, Mannheim has succeeded in implementing key projects which have attracted attention throughout Europe. Now, Mannheim builds on its achievements resulting from the “Ziel 2” regional development program and continues with its integrated strategy.

Under “Ziel 2”’s successor “regional competitiveness and employment 2007 – 2013” (RCE), the city’s Business Development department is now coordinating innovative schemes in the music and creative industries, as well as in the technology sector, with approximately 12.4 million euros of EU aid and an expected 4.3 million euros of aid from the state of Baden-Württemberg. These funds will also be used to revitalize inner-city development areas and to set up community centers. Special focus will be placed on the municipal area of Jungbusch and the “Mannheim 21” zone. According to plan, 40 million euros will have been invested in a total of eight projects in Mannheim by 2015.

On July 27, the municipal council agreed to use the RCE aid to finance four further projects, namely the cluster management of the music industry, the Jungbusch and the “Altes Volksbad” creative industry centers and the construction of a second wing onto the MAFINEX Technology Center.

Mayor Michael Grötsch emphasized, “The EU structural development aid from the “regional competitiveness and employment” program offers us a great opportunity once again to carry out pivotal projects in Mannheim which will durably strengthen its location”.