In the process of accession to European Union regional development policies and regional planning studies in Turkey

Regional disparities are the most evident feature of the today?s worldeconomy. Since II. World War, they have become more widespread andcaused many problems at national level. These problems have caused allcountries to look for solutions to reduce economic and social disparitiesamong their regions.The European Union is one of the most prosperous economic zones inthe world but economic and social disparities among its Member States andamong its regions weaken its dynanism overall. These disparities are twiceas great in the Europe of the Twenty-seven than they were in the Europe ofthe Fifteen.European solidarity is already mentioned in the preamble of the Treatyon European Union. The Treaty specifies that the Community acts tostrengthen its economic and social cohesion and specifically to reduce thegaps among levels of development in the various regions. That is why theMember States participate in European regional policies co-financed byStructural Funds and Cohesion Fund, which embody Community solidarity.This Policy plays more than just a financial role. Its gole is not simply toredistribute resources but rather to create new ones by investing in thepotential of the regions and their communities.In Turkey, regional disparities are quite serious problems. Variousregional policies have been carried out to reduce the gaps among levels ofdevelopment in the regions but they have not been successful. After TheAccession Partnership Certificate was approved, the importance of regionalpolicies on the agenda has increased and the studies has started to adapt tothe European Union?s legislation and practies about regional policies.In this study, firstly how regional disparities came on the scene hasbeen examined. Especially, the theories made after II World War have beenexplained. Also detailed information about aims, principles and tools ofregional development policies is given. Disparities on European Union havebeen examined by statistics. Also, it?s stressed on the policies and financialtools used to fight against these disparities.In conslusion, regional policies and plans carried out in Turkey and thestudies made to adapt to European Union?s legislation and practies aboutregional policies have been argued.