ABSTRACT
’Diversity’ is undoubtedly the appropriate word to apply to the spatial problems and regional development policies discussed in this book. Such an impression is due partly to the differing interests of the twelve authors, the themes that they have selected to discuss, and the emphasis that they have placed on particular issues. Nevertheless, this diversity is most certainly not just a reflection of variations in presentation but penetrates right to the heart of regional development issues in the eighteen countries that have been examined. Certain similarities in strategy are, of course, being applied in a number of states, and many of Western Europe’s regional planners hang their thoughts and actions on a common intellectual frame. However, the haggling and bitter debate over a common regional policy in the E.E.C. emphasizes that the ‘meeting of minds’ theme should not be overstressed or accepted too readily.
