ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the renewal of Cohesion policy in relation to the longer term issues raised by the budget review. It focuses on three key questions: What are the lessons of previous experience with Cohesion policy? What should be the objectives of the policy and where should it intervene? and how should the future policy be managed? European Union Cohesion policy is of major importance to the new Member States. Several Member States are doubtful about what the budget review can be expected to achieve. The management of Cohesion policy has been based on the principle of shared management - involving both the Commission and Member States - and on the principle of partnership involving regional and local authorities and other bodies in the planning and delivery of programmes. Cohesion policy intervention to support specific categories of regions, defined by geographical or topographical criteria, continues to be valued by those Member States with peripheral or island territories.
