3.3. The future challenges

3.3.1. Agenda 2000 proposals through a rural development perspective

The Agenda 2000 strategy can be seen as a step towards global competitiveness. However, in terms of integrated rural development it represents a step backwards in some important aspects, namely:-

• Beneficiaries are discriminated against (only, or largely, farmers are eligible for support in most areas of rural development, at least outside the Objective 1 and 2 designated areas);
• The scope for diversification of rural economies outside Objective 1 and 2 areas is restricted by the definition of measures eligible for support and by limitations on public sector support;
• The emergence of EMU will have deep consequences also on rural development in terms of reduced competitiveness of economically fragile rural areas in the Community, leading either to higher unemployment, greater outward migration, or downward adjustments in wage rates and this is not reflected in the proposals;
• A growing focus on the competitiveness of agricultural production will additionally affect small producers and will have a negative effect on natural biodiversity.

It also has to be stressed that in the present rural development debate, there is an over-obsession with the Community dimension of the issue. Agenda 2000 is pulling the problem back to the national/regional level, by emphasising the principles of subsidiarity and concentration. The relative decline of the sectoral approach is mirrored by the increasing importance of the spatial approach. This allows the member States to develop national and regional specific policies and then combine these with EU policies and measures in a more integrated and coherent set of spatial strategies. This is in fact being actively debated in many EU nations including Scotland, Ireland and Germany.