The Territorial Dimension of CAP and Spatial Cohesion.

Abstract: Since the start of the CAP reform in the 1990s the demand for an increase of rural development measures has been intensified. However, up to now no comprehensive assessment of the territorial impacts of the CAP has been achieved. This article summarises the main findings of a recent study which was carried out under the European Union's ESPON programme on this issue. The regional analysis suggests that, at present, the CAP is not contributing towards the goal of more balanced and sustainable development across European territory. This finding is both valid for the more "traditional" CAP (Pillar 1) and the Rural Development measures, referred to as Second Pillar measures, indicating the emerging priority for these types of instruments. Yet, the great variation in the RDP priorities and implementation in the Member States underscore the wide scope for taking account of the spatial dimension more explicitly. In addition, the numerous best practice examples and the political support for RD action point to the untapped potential of local activities in rural areas. Strengthening the link to the spatial cohesion objectives is therefore a prerequisite for securing support by European citizens for future CAP payments.

ESPON: Project: The Territorial Impact of CAP and rural development policy, 2004 http://www.espon.eu/mmp/online/website/content/projects/243/277/file_1322/fr-2.1.3_revised_31-03-05.pdf

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