Regional policy is an essential means by which the European Union pursues its objective of social and economic cohesion. This major book describes the operation of the various EU structural funds, which seek to promote equality between levels of development and employment across Europe particularly by lending impetus to the most backward areas. A thorough understanding of how regional policy operates has become increasingly important following EU enlargement as funds are allocated to new regions. This work provides a comprehensive overview of the nature and operation of the EU structural funds and related financial instruments for the promotion of regional solidarity in Europe.