The EU Agenda 2000 program, made public in 1997, established the basis for future EU member countries to
develop their rural areas and agriculture. This was the SAPARD program, which was aimed at assisting 10
countries ready to join the union.
The monetary fund of the program amounted to 520 million EUROs/year for the period 2000-2006, which the
countries involved could apply for.
Our research is trying to find an answer to problems emerging in the process of rural and agricultural
development, in conflicts between two alternative programs; furthermore, it also covers various processes in a
smaller area.
We are focusing on the advantages and disadvantages of certain areas, on opportunities offered by a program
of this type. Successful competition can only be achieved, when it is based on a cooperation and agreement of
the local participants. We are illustrating this process through the history of the competition of the Keszthely-
Hévíz Sub-Regional Association.
