Abstract
In order to accommodate the recent enlargements of the European Union (EU) there has been considerable changes to the operation of EU regional policy which means that Scotland along with other regions in the EU-15 will receive considerably less money from the Structural Funds in the future. This article discusses the extent to which the reduction in EU funding for economic development will impact on the Scottish economy. The issue is explored by considering the contribution, which Structural Funds have made in the past to economic development in Western Scotland, which has received the lion's share of the money allocated to Scotland. It is suggested that whilst the amount of economic development in Scotland will not be significantly reduced as a result of the decline in EU funds the types of projects and organizations receiving funding will alter because of changes made to the way in which the funds are administered in Scotland.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the following interview participants: Anne Houston, Chief Executive, Strathclyde European Partnership; Laurie Russell, Chief Executive, Wise Group (former Chief Executive of Strathclyde European Partnership); Fiona Forsyth, Project Manager, Rosemount Lifelong Learning Centre; John Ferguson, Director of Development and Programmes, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organizations (SCVO).
Notes
1. Interview with Laurie Russell, Chief Executive Wise Group 15 February 2007.
2. Interview with John Ferguson, Director of Development and Programmes, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organizations 29 April 2007.