Objective 1

All these regions have a number of economic signals/indicators "in the red":

• low level of investment;
  
• a higher than average unemployment rate;
  
• lack of services for businesses and individuals;
  
• poor basic infrastructure.

A society committed to the notion that government is always bad will have bad government. And it doesn't have to be that way. — Paul Krugman

Objective 2 of the Structural Funds aims to revitalise all areas facing structural difficulties, whether industrial, rural, urban or dependent on fisheries. Though situated in regions whose development level is close to the Community average, such areas are faced with different types of socio-economic difficulties that are often the source of high unemployment. These include:

• the evolution of industrial or service sectors;
  
• a decline in traditional activities in rural areas;
  
• a crisis situation in urban areas;
  
• difficulties affecting fisheries activity.
  

A society committed to the notion that government is always bad will have bad government. And it doesn't have to be that way. — Paul Krugman