The Structural Funds and the existing financial instruments contribute, each one in its own way, to the realization of three priorities defined as "objectives" regrouping regions according to their degree of development and common problematic. These objectives are elaborated on the basis of national state plans presented by the Member States.

We can therefore categorize:

> Objective 1 Regions (territorial): to supply those regions whose development is lagging behind with basic equipment so as to overcome development gaps and to favour economic takeoff. Around fifty regions (representing 22% of the total European population) are in Objective 1 and get 70% of the Funds. > Objective 2 Regions (territorial): in order to support the economic and social reconversion of regions dependent from industries, agriculture, or fisheries and presenting structural difficulties. These areas comprise 18% of the population of the E.U. and benefit of 11.5% of the Funds. > Objective 3 Regions (thematic): such objective groups all the European regions in order to modernize the educational systems and to promote employment. It receives 12.3% of the funds.