The reform of EU rural development policy and the challenges ahead

The main objective of this paper is to provide proposals for a reform of the future EU Rural Development policy, in the context of the 2014-2020 programming period. To this end, it is necessary to take stock of the main progress achieved by this policy over the past years. Furthermore, this paper intends to discuss the role of the main variables which can influence the future debate on the reform of RD in Europe. This paper is organised in three main sections. The first section summarises the main changes in RD since Agenda 20004 until the latest revision under the Health Check. This analysis seeks to highlight progress and weaknesses emerging from the main reviews carried out in the last decade. The second section is focused on the main variables of the policy context which might in one way or in another shape the content of RDPs after 2013,namely: the reform of the 1st pillar, the EUROPE 2020 strategy and the future of cohesion policy. These three elements are strictly interlinked with the budget reform. This section includes a final comment on the rationales for a common RD policy. The third section develops some proposals concerning the key issues for a more efficient and effective RD (new priorities,a different programming system, a delivery system more strongly based upon a territorial approach and fostering innovation).