The effects of cohesion policy in rural areas and experience in co-ordinating with rural development programmes (RDPs)

The purpose of the report is to address the following main issues: Are the development needs of rural areas being properly covered and addressed by EU cohesion policy? Does the EU really have an effective rural development policy? How effective has the EU been in ensuring co-operation and co-ordination in the use of EU cohesion funds for rural development during the first half of the current programming period? How should proposals for the future development of cohesion policy and the CAP be adapted to ensure that maximum welfare benefits for rural areas?