Objective One - Definition and Overview

Objective 1 regions are officially designated NUTS level 2 regions within the European Union where per capita GDP is less than 75% of that of the wider union; they also include certain very low population areas in Sweden and Finland and some outlying (i.e. non-European) areas. The recognition of Objective One status is usually accompanied by structural funds support from the European Community.

Achievement of Objective One status is frequently the subject of much political debate and manouevring. The current areas were designated in 1999 for the period up until 2006. The enlargement of the European Union in 2004 reduced average per capita GDP, reducing the number of regions in the EU-15 which will qualify as of right for Objective One from 2007.

See also

• Objective 2

External links

• eligible regions (http://europa.eu.int/comm/regional_policy/objective1/regions_en.htm)
• map of eligible areas (red) (http://europa.eu.int/comm/regional_policy/objective2/map_en.htm)
• The Objective One partnership for Cornwall and Scilly (http://www.objectiveone.com/)