ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines the characteristics of temporary policy measures across a range of rural, urban and regional contexts. From a European point of view it is important to remember that spatial policies and related instruments at least to some extent reflect opposite dynamics. Regional policy in countries like Finland and Sweden may be seen as an integrative device; equal opportunities are enhanced in all parts of the sparsely populated country in order to keep all regions integrated into the nation. Short-term policy measures are adopted and implemented differently depending on such contextual variations. Common agricultural policy (CAP) is important to remember that at key moments in the development of the European Union (EU), rural and agricultural policy has played a key role.
