Towards 2006: European Union regional policy and UK local government: a new regional agenda

Abstract:

This paper reviews the interaction of the EU and UK regional policy agendas and raises a number of issues which need further research and need to be kept under continuous review throughout 1998 and 1999. President Santer has set the European Commission two fundamental objectives: strengthening the Union and preparing for enlargement. The new treaty for Europe agreed at Amsterdam has cleared the way for Agenda 2000 which deals with the financial agenda and the reform of the Unions internal policies, especially regional policy and agricultural policy. The paper examines the interaction of the European policy agenda with the new UK regional devolution and Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) agenda following the publication of the RDA White Paper in November 1997. In England, nine new Regional Development Agencies will become fully operational in April 1999 (London in 2000) with a brief to coordinate regional economic development. Shadow boards will be established in November 1998 following Royal Assent of the RDA Bill. It is these RDAs who will be responsible for prioritizing and coordinating the new European programmes post 1999. The paper reviews a number of issues which need further examination for the 2000–2006 period.