Since recent scientific studies clearly show that national variables such as topography, population density and the habits of postal services consumers (average number of items delivered per inhabitant) produce considerable disparities in the cost of supplying the same universal services, it is not so much the 'reserved area' system that appears questionable, but rather the setting of a standard threshold in all Member States (currently 50 grams).

Some delegations wanted to add other criteria (rate of unemployment or employment, peripheral nature or population density, etc.). As regards the statistical effect (the fall in average per capita GDP in the Community following enlargement), some delegations argued for setting an eligibility threshold above 75%.

The EPS eligibility conditions require the claimant to maintain the Stocking Density (SD) (that is the forage capacity of his holding in relation to the number and species of animals), within certain limits.

3. Believes that, with respect to the eligibility criteria for rural areas for Objective 2, certain aspects of the general regulation cannot be considered reasonable; suggests that the population density threshold should be 20 inhabitants per square kilometre; or that the proportion of agricultural employment vis-à-vis total employment should be aligned exactly on the Community average; or that the criteria of density and reduction of population should be combined; or that a new criterion should be introduced relating to low agricultural incomes.; considers such refinements to be essential from the viewpoint of diversification of en ...[+++]ergy supplies, as a vital factor in development;

- the maximum eligible density of population would be raised to 130 inhabitants per square kilometre compared with the current figure of 100 per km2, i.e. about 50% of the national average.

The study showed that increasing the limit from 59 to 62.5 metric tonnes may jeopardize the viability of railway lines in areas where traffic volumes will drop below the critical level.