ABSTRACT
The European continental area, and the twelve countries of the European Community that form a part of it, comprises a patchwork of interlocking elements. Although small by continental standards, Europe boasts a variety that is manifest in characteristics ranging from the geological bases (and the economic potential which they offer) through relief and topography, to climate, soils, and to what may be described as ‘natural environments’. Superimposed on this variegated physical background is a cultural landscape which mirrors that variety. Whilst migration has always been important in peopling the landscape and mixing population groups, Europe has retained within its area a bewildering array of cultural groups. Emerging from widely varying agrarian economies and settlement patterns, the peoples of Europe have lost few of their ancient cultural artefacts. Many different languages are spoken; there are vastly differing interpretations of Judeo-Christian religious philosophy, and a strong Arab influence in some parts, all of which are reflected in distinctive approaches to the organization of economic and political life. However, there are also major unifying elements in the European culture which are shared by most of the countries, if not all of the peoples, belonging to the European Community. Not least of
these are the common experiences of industrialization (and its aftermath) in some areas, and the common problems of semi-arid agriculture in others. Thus, whilst it is the small scale and variety of the landscape and people that best identifies the regional perspective, it is the shared experience and common need that most clearly justifies a Community-led and Community-wide regional policy.
