At times, contradictory policies detract from overarching aims. Positively, the national development framework adopted in 2009 enhances co-ordination of policies across ministries, including the many sectoral policies which impact rural development. However, the nature of territorially based investments is not alw'ays evident under the new approach and silos remain between how rural development is conceived across agricultural and regional development portfolios. While much has been achieved, more needs to be done to use EU funds in a strategic way that is complemented by domestic policies and interventions.