The study was part of a set of ex-post evaluation of objective 1 and objective 2 programmes to be commissioned by DG Regio aiming at investigating certain effects of the cohesion policy programmes financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) during the period 2000–2006. The study focused mainly on the impact of these programs on Rural Development.
The investigation of the ERDF’s contribution to the development of European rural areas required to cope with the contribution of other programs, especially the EAGGF. Thus, the study needed to identify the role of the ERDF in rural development, including an analysis about the differences with the EAGGF, revealing existing synergies and potential overlaps.
