Mountain Study - Analysis of mountain areas in Europe (2002 - 2004) |
|
|
|
The objectives of this study are:- to define a comprehensive system of criteria for the delineation of mountain areas in Europe,
- to establish a comprehensive small-scale GIS-based database for these regions, and finally
- to analyse the common problems and potentials of these areas as well as the effectiveness of recent EU-policies, measures and instruments for the promotion and further development of these disadvantaged regions.
The study starts with the observation that a unified definition of mountain areas in Europe is missing, not even among EU member states. Instead, each country uses own criteria for the delineation of mountain areas. These definition and criteria will be collected and compared against each other in order to identify a comprehensive unified set of criteria for a common definition among EU member states and candidate countries. These criteria will not only cover natural and physical phenomena, but also cultural, socio-economic and socio-demographic aspects. After the approval of this definition and after the delineation of mountain areas, a comprehensive small-scale (at NUTS 5 level) GIS-based database will be established which comprises all of the criteria and indicators identified as relevant for mountain areas. This database will then be used as basis for statistical and GIS-based analysis of mountain regions. They will be characterised, compared against each other and against non-mountainous regions, their (common) problems and potentials will be assessed, and finally the effectiveness of recent EU policies, measures and instruments for the promotion and further development of these disadvantaged regions will be explored.
The results of this study eventually will be used as input for the Third Cohesion Report of the European Commission, and serve as a starting point for the discussion on the revision of the structural funds in the EU. The final report of this study can be downloaded in pdf format from the Inforegio webpage of the Commission, or a paper version can be ordered free of charge from Inforegio.
|
|
|
