A Brief Guide to the Funds in the previous Funding Period (2000 - 2006)
The United Kingdom was allocated over £10 billion (at 1999 prices) in Structural Funds receipts for the 2000-2006 budgetary cycle.
Objectives of the Structural Funds 2000-2006
In 2000-2006 the Funds were targeted on specific regions, known as Objective 1, 2 and 3 regions.
Objective 1
This was the highest level of EU funding. Eligible areas had a GDP of less than 75% of the EU average.
Objective 2
Aimed to support the economic and social conversion of areas facing structural difficulties. It was the second highest level of funding available from the EU. Areas qualified for Objective 2 under four strands - industrial, rural, urban and fisheries.
Objective 3
This Objective involved only the European Social Fund. It aimed to develop labour markets and human resources. All areas of the UK were eligible for Objective 3.