Facilitating rural development in New Europe Rural development in Central and Eastern Europe faces many difficulties, in particular in its journey coordinating existing policy with that of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy. This project readdresses this balance by utilising research to create an environment more conducive to change. Climate Change and Environment © Shutterstock The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) of the EU has had its own set of problems and, despite many reforms, it remains somewhat problematic. In the case of the newer Member States, it remains a challenge for them to adapt their rural development strategy in order for it to fit into the European Union's framework and policy for rural development. The IDARI project set its sights on demystifying the debate over CAP and its potential to unlock jobs and add value in rural areas in the newer Member States. Since it is the case that the true potential of CAP reforms can only be realised if stakeholders in rural areas better acknowledge innovations available and the need for institutional change, the main aim of the project was to educate. The researchers prepared a research framework which utilised classic concepts of institutional analysis with findings from cognitive sciences. Ten teams adapted and used this framework in their countries. Out of this the researchers were able to come up with decision-making tools that can be used by a wide range of participants. This part of the research explored the cases where cooperation is desirable but unattainable in current circumstances. It examined the direct and indirect effects on the existing networks of policy. In particular it examined policy at the design stage. It demonstrated direct effects on cooperation between rural people if the best suited development policy were implemented. An academic paper on these results was also prepared. It is entitled 'The Governance of Cooperation - Policy Implications for Rural Central and Eastern Europe'.
