THE IMPACT OF THE RURAL AREAS ANIMATION PROGRAMME ON SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN RURAL AREAS IN WEST POMERANIAN REGION IN POLAND IN YEARS 2003–2005

Abstract

The Programme was aimed at supporting civic society development and non agricultural employment in rural areas, devolution of powers to the local and regional authorities, and building an indispensable institutional framework to access and allocate the Pre-Accession and structural funds granted by the EU. The study has shown a relative under-estimation of funds required for the basic needs of the rural areas in West Pomerania. The € 297.9 million appropriations (including the national appropriations) entered in the budget were completely utilized. Hence, the actual accomplishment of the Programme lies only in the establishment of an institutional framework with local bodies, as well as creation of a new approach in solving economic problems in rural areas.