Publication |
2013.
|
Summary/Abstract |
THE ISSUE OF REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT IS HIGH ON THE POLICY agenda in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Indeed, for a variety of reasons, these countries are currently seen as some of the most interesting 'laboratories' for regional development in the European Union (EU) and beyond. First, from a situation in the early and mid-1990s where ?nances for regional development in these countries were very limited, there are now signi?cant levels of funding available. These ?nances ?ow predominantly from the structural funds available under EU cohesion policy, of which CEE member states are the biggest bene?ciaries in the EU. As the contribution by Ferry and McMaster notes, this brings with it opportunities to expand the scope and impact of regional development interventions. However, it also puts pressure on regional policy systems in these countries to develop structures and processes to absorb the funds, to ensure that they contribute to strategic economic growth, and to maintain a clear vision for domestic regional development.
|