Objective 2: experiences, lessons and policy implications

The project involved a synthesis and assessment of the achievements, experiences and lessons of Objective 2 interventions in the period 1989-99, drawing out practical recommendations for the 2000-06 programming period. The study took a horizontal perspective, examining commonalities and contrasts between Member States and regions, and a longitudinal view, identifying progressive changes across three programming periods (1989-93, 1994-96 and 1997-99). Research included: an overview of Objective 2 programme implementation; a country-by-country review of Structural Fund organisation and practices; the content of Objective strategies, the origins and application of the horizontal themes of employment creation, RTDI, environmental integration and gender mainstreaming; and, monitoring and evaluation.