The Decentralization Process of Rural Development Policy in Greece

Abstract

This study aims at critically assessing the decentralization process of rural policy-making and delivery in Greece. Drawing upon a case study of the farm modernization scheme, research findings indicate that despite remarkable decentralization efforts, rural development in Greece seems to maintain its primarily state-emanated design and implementation. Long-standing top-down and sectoral orientation in the formulation of this policy still holds. Apart from the redistribution of responsibilities and the multiplication of competent authorities, a genuine delegation of competencies and resources is needed, coupled with a renewed awareness of integrated policies from the actors involved at all administrative levels.

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to thank two anonymous referees for their valuable comments.

Notes

Greece became a member of the EU in 1981. Since the late 1980s, three wide-ranging development programmes have been implemented in the country, jointly funded by the EU structural funds. These programmes are also known as “Community Support Frameworks” (CSF), each corresponding to a programming period: first CSF (1989–1993), second CSF (1994–1999), third CSF (2000–2006).