1.   But there is one feature that is prevalent in every nation at any stage of development, i.e. the existence of spatial disparities in economic fortunes.

2.   Many other economic factors might be viewed as contributing to the emergence of spatial disparities in economic prosperity.

3.   Per capita regional GDP is only one way of viewing the spatial disparities within the EC.

4.   It is a common observation that spatial disparities tend to be reduced when national economies as a whole experience growth and vice-versa.

5.   Set alongside the regional impact of other EC policies, notably CAP, the ability of the regional funds to make progress towards correcting spatial disparities was severely restricted.