Regional Policy and EU Accession in the Czech Republic 1997 - 1999

This paper examines the formulation of regional policy and the creation of a Regional Development Plan in the Czech Republic during the period of 1997 - 1999. The regional policy and planning process occurred within the larger dynamic of the Czech Republic's application for membership in the European Union, and the paper considers the application of European Union partnership principle in the regional planning process. Analysis focuses on whether this process, required by the EU, enhanced democratic decision-making in the Czech Republic.