1. Regional Policy The EU

2. Aim Improve living standards in the poorer communities to reduce the gap between the rich and the poor. It does this by transferring funds from the wealthier areas to the poorer areas. Four different funds are in place.

3. Funds European Regional Development Fund European Social Fund Rural Development Funds from CAP Funds to support fishing communities from the CAP

4. European Regional Development Fund Aim 1 -Poorer areas -Infrastructure and human resource development Aim 2 -Structural difficulties causing unemployment Aim 3 -High unemployment but do not fall into previous categories -Social inclusion and equal opportunities

5. Planned Spending Spending falls into four sections: – Research and innovation = employment – Enterprise growth = new businesses – Urban regeneration = deprived areas – Rural development = rural industries

6. Examples in Scotland R and I: -Green Cow – Scottish Agriculture College -Sporting Chance Initiative – Uni of Stirling E G: -Support for Young Innovative Enterprises – Scottish Enterprise -East of Scotland Investment Fund – Fife Council

7. Examples in Scotland U R -Cardenden Heat and Power – Fife Council -Glasgow Works Employer Engagement Team – Glasgow City Council R D -Rural Tourism Business Support – Angus Council -Rural Business Property Support – Angus Council

8. European Social Fund Aim Raise standard of living through improving employment. Priority groups are – People who face discrimination – People who have limited qualifications

9. Example 2009 £5.6million for 33 projects across the highlands and Islands.