The regions covered by Objective 2 shall be those with structural problems whose socio-economic conversion is to be supported in accordance with Article 1(2) and whose population or area is sufficiently substantial. They shall include in particular areas undergoing socio-economic change in the industrial and service sectors, declining rural areas, urban areas in difficulty and depressed areas dependent on fisheries. ... The rural areas referred to in paragraph 1 must represent or belong to a NUTS level III territorial unit which satisfies the following criteria:
(a) either a population density of less than 100 people per km2, or a percentage share of agricultural employment in total employment which is equal to, or higher than, twice the Community average in any reference year from 1985;
(b) either an average unemployment rate over the last three years above the Community average, or a decline in population since 1985.
