Introduction : introducing the policy cycle
Stage I : assessing the problems and identifying their causes
Disparities : general
Economic disparities
Social disparities
Territorial disparities
Stage II : designing a solution-oriented intervention system
Policy fundamentals
Stage III : specifying objectives and matching these with instruments
Reaching objectives by financial support
Reaching objectives by regulation and coordination
Stage IV : implementing actions and delivering results
Implementation and delivery
Stage V : checking effectiveness and consistency
Evaluation
Consistency with other EU policies
Stage VI : drawing lessons
Conclusions and outlook.