Support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) 2007-2013
PURPOSE: To support rural development across the EU by creating a single, simplified funding and programming instrument; the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).
LEGISLATIVE ACT: Regulation 1698/2005 of the Council on support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD)
CONTENT: Following political agreement within the Council (please refer to previous summary), the Council has adopted a Regulation creating the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), 2007 – 2013. The Portuguese delegation abstained from the vote.
The aim of the EAFRD is to contribute to the promotion of sustainable rural development throughout the Community whilst at the same time working in sink with the open market. It intends to do so by:
- improving the environment and the countryside by supporting land management;
- improving the quality of life in rural areas and encouraging diversification of economic activity.
The Regulation:
- Establishes the general rules for supporting an EU rural development policy financed by the EAFRD.
- Defines the objectives of the EAFRD.
- Defines the strategic approach to rural development, by setting Community strategic guidelines as well as national strategic plans.
- Defines the priorities of a rural development policy.
- Establishes the rules for programming, evaluation criteria, financing and the division of responsibilities between the Member States and the Commission.
The allocation of resources needs to be confirmed in line with the 2007 – 2013 financial perspective.
ENTRY INTO FORCE: 22 October 2005.