Analysis of EU investment on rural development and its impact on Portuguese rural regions in the period 2011-2021

Abstract

[EN] EU's rural areas are an essential part of the European way of life, covering more than 75 % of the Union's territory and housing over 25 % of its population. However, they experience major imbalances compared to urban areas. Thus, it is important to analyse whether EU's rural development (RD) policy is effective in promoting the development of rural areas. This study uses a RD index for 9 Portuguese NUTS 3 regions, with data from 2011 and 2021. The results are then compared with the financial support delivered by EU funds and show their impact on RD in Portugal.

[ES] Las zonas rurales de la UE, que representan más del 75 % del territorio y el 25 % de la población, son un elemento crucial del modo de vida europeo. Sin embargo, experimentan grandes desequilibrios frente a las zonas urbanas. Así, es importante analizar si las políticas de desarrollo rural (DR) de la UE son eficaces para promover el desarrollo de estas regiones. Este estudio utiliza un Índice de DR en 9 regiones NUTS-3 portuguesas (datos de 2011 y 2021). Los resultados se comparan con el apoyo financiero de los fondos europeos y muestran su impacto en el DR.