The Evolution
and Impact
of EU Regional
and
Rural Policy

FAO Investment Centre/World Bank Working Paper
September 2008

ABSTRACT

This working paper was commissioned by the World Bank under the FAO/World Bank Cooperation Programme. It was written as a background research paper for the 2009 edition of the World Development Report. The paper elaborates on the history and theoretical background of the European Union’s rural and regional policies. In particular, it examines how the endogenous growth theory has influenced these policies. The paper also introduces a series of lessons learned from the EU's endogenous approach to regional and rural development that could possibly be of interest and use to development agencies.

The designations employed and the presentation of material in this information product do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) concerning the legal or development status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The mention of specific companies or products of manufacturers, whether or not these have been patented, does not imply that these have been endorsed or recommended by FAO in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned.

All rights reserved. Reproduction and dissemination of material in this information product for educational or other non-commercial purposes are authorized without any prior written permission from the copyright holders provided the source is fully acknowledged. Reproduction of material in this information product for resale or other commercial purposes is prohibited without written permission of the copyright holders. Applications for such permission should be addressed to: Director, Investment Centre, FAO, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00153 Rome, Italy, or by e-mail to [email protected].