Social capital is clearly linked to improving social relations and participation in local community activities. Defined as 'networks, norms, values and understanding within groups', the role of social capital, has, to date, been insufficiently covered at regional level. In 2003, the Foundation...

Following recent enlargement of the EU, the regional diversity in relation to living conditions, economic prosperity, infrastructure and educational levels of rural areas has become even more accentuated. Rural areas in the poorer countries tend to be characterised by a less educated workforce,...