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Despite emigrations' adverse impacts on several EU Member States, especially in Central Eastern Europe, topics like brain drain and depopulation have received relatively little attention at EU level compared to concerns associated with free movement and immigration. This article offers an answer to why this is so. Drawing on agenda-setting theory, it argues that the institutional framework of the EU both inhibits and disincentivises attempts to turn emigration into an EU level topic. Seen through the lens of the EU policy, regulating emigration becomes a matter of cohesion policy, which makes it both difficult and unattractive to lobby. To assess the argument empirically, the article draws on elite interviews with national and EU policymakers and document analysis from 2010 to 2023. The analysis reveals a structural bias of the EU and offers an example of how pertinent political issues fail to become EU topics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using data from the execution of 2014–2020 cohesion policy, this article presents a novel indicator to measure how fast European territories were able to spend their allocated budget and then explores the drivers of such financial performance. This analysis aims to fill a gap in scientific literature as most existing studies tend to focus solely on the total absorption at the end of the period without looking at the average financial performance over time. The article also explores the influence on financial absorption of the governance model (nationally or regionally managed programmes) and the thematic structure of the funds, which has never been done before. The determinants of the speed of financial absorption are investigated through a Tobit model. Results show that both programme‐specific and territorial characteristics are relevant factors in explaining the varying levels of fund absorption. This suggests that increased flexibility in spending rules and the adoption of more tailored strategies could be instrumental in improving fund absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research note explores the role of cohesion policy in the emerging EU industrial agenda with the view to anchor it in the new industrial policy paradigm. The first part discusses the historical evolution of EU industrial policy and presents the main features of the conceptual perspective loosely referred to as 'new industrial policy'. Then, the note investigates the main tensions between cohesion policy's rationales and instruments and the new industrial policy perspective, for instance in relation to the use of experimentation and directionality, and outlines pathways to address them through different lines of research. In conclusion, the note discusses positive avenues to tackle the identity crisis facing cohesion policy thanks to the new industrial policy perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EU's cohesion policy is a fundamental component of intervention policies in united Europe. Its primary goal is to reduce the scale of spatial differences in development by striving to improve economic, social, and territorial cohesion. The outcomes of the actions implemented to date have been unsatisfactory. This underperformance is the basis for the ongoing discussion in Europe about the future paradigm of post-2027 cohesion policy. This article systematises the challenges and proposes recommendations concerning the actions of EU cohesion policy that should be considered in the new paradigm of this public intervention, enhancing its effectiveness and efficiency during a period of strong pressure from external development shocks, especially in less-developed areas such as inner peripheries. Its unique value is constructed on two fundamental factors. Firstly, the presented results are the outcome of qualitative field research, providing unique empirically factual material. Secondly, they concern the processes occurring in relation to the territories of the member state that is the largest beneficiary of EU cohesion policy, Poland, which is often regarded as a specific laboratory for cohesion policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the period after the 2008 financial crisis, the European Union and Brazil experienced, respectively, periods of regional divergence and convergence. The research developed in these two territories brings new evidence on the importance of non-territorial policies, that worked as indirect regional policy, for these trajectories. In the case of the EU, (direct) regional policy was not strong enough to counteract more non-territorial policies that acted in favour of divergence. In the case of Brazil, the absence of a relevant direct regional policy did not prevent convergence, since the government adopted a set of non-territorial sectoral policies that functioned as indirect regional policy. This is particularly relevant in the current European context, where prolonged social and economic stagnation or decline in many regions has been the source of discontent that is expressed electorally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Research into the dynamics of the development of European integration processes over the past few years shows that Ukraine has become an active participant in them, and one of the leading roles is played by the presence of common borders with countries that are already EU members. Despite the fact that today the social and economic conditions in the state are extremely difficult, which is caused by Russian military aggression, among the effective directions for solving common development problems and strengthening mutually beneficial ties between neighboring countries is international territorial cooperation at the regional level, local, as well as at the level of individual institutions and public organizations. Such cooperation, in most cases, takes the form of joint international projects involving international technical assistance. The study examines the issue of implementing the EU cohesion policy at different levels of the classification of the territorial division of countries for statistics (NUTS). To date, EU cohesion policy has supported significant improvements in infrastructure, strengthened innovation and capacity building, human capital, public services. A wide range of projects funded through cohesion policy, from health to transport and energy, aim not only at long-term and sustainable growth in less developed regions, but also contribute to sustainable development at the level of EU Member States. At the same time, the issues of implementing effective forms of interregional and cross-border cooperation of Ukraine with the countries of the European Union were revealed, the state of implementation of joint grant projects within the framework of the Interreg programs was analyzed using the example of cooperation between the Transcarpathian region and communities and municipalities of the Republic of Poland. At the same time, the current problematic issues that hinder the increase in the effectiveness of cross-border cooperation at the local level were analyzed in detail, in particular in the context of institutional and resource support, regulatory and informational. Based on the results of the study, the main promising directions for the further development of interterritorial cooperation in Ukraine were outlined and it was established that such cooperation at the local level is a basic element for building international territorial cooperation on its basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the period after the 2008 financial crisis, the European Union and Brazil experienced, respectively, periods of regional divergence and convergence. The research developed in these two territories brings new evidence on the importance of non-territorial policies, that worked as indirect regional policy, for these trajectories. In the case of the EU, (direct) regional policy was not strong enough to counteract more non-territorial policies that acted in favour of divergence. In the case of Brazil, the absence of a relevant direct regional policy did not prevent convergence, since the government adopted a set of non-territorial sectoral policies that functioned as indirect regional policy. This is particularly relevant in the current European context, where prolonged social and economic stagnation or decline in many regions has been the source of discontent that is expressed electorally.

Nowadays, development has become a natural part of our lives, the dynamics and types of which are the only things we tend to highlight and compare. This is why it may seem unusual that science has identified an anomaly in certain territorial units where there is a lack of development. This situation has been called the development trap. The development of an area is, of course, dependent on a great many factors, so that the range of development traps seems almost inexhaustible. This paper takes stock of the development traps identified so far, not with the aim of questioning the methods used, but to evaluate the data and indicators used to identify them. The study concludes that macro-level data are not causes but consequences, masking the true root causes of problems, but they play an important role in establishing a diagnosis at the regional level. The study aims to provide a convincing illustration, using concrete examples, of the development policy approach - and its main features - that can help to overcome the various pitfalls.

The European Council adopted the EU Strategic agenda. In this context, this study provides an overview about the Agenda’s implications and also about the 9th Cohesion Report. In this study, a comparison of Cohesion Policy in the EU Strategic Agendas developed for the 2019-2024 and the one developed for 2024-2029 revealed significant differences, adapted to each period's needs, but also common points which remained current in the period 2024-2029. This study underscores that both Agendas admit the importance of cohesion policy in fostering balanced development and reducing disparities among EU regions. Therefore, possible ways to the future were formulated.

Europe is the winner of the Cohesion Policy. It is vi­tal that the model of shared management, multi-lev­el governance, and partnership remains the guiding principle of the Cohesion Policy beyond 2027. Sub­sidiarity and a place-based approach are crucial; we can’t afford to lose the territorial dimension. There is no future for this policy without a strong role of cities and regions. If you try to replace it with a centralized instrument as a top-down Recovery and Resilience Facility, you will destroy the very essence of the Co­hesion Policy.The Cohesion Policy is working on the ground, and it must be maintained, in a modernized way.The Cohesion Policy must continue to be the single policy to address the challenges inherent to cohesion in Europe. That includes supporting a just transition in all regions and supporting all territories so that they can take advantage of the single mar­ket. That includes supporting all regions so that the EU can be more competitive at a global level. Cohe­sion Policy is a solution, not a problem!

The purpose of the article is to theoretically analyse the nature and characteristics of territorial capital. The article examines the conceptual framework of this notion to identify its originality and added value. The applied research method is literature review. The concept of territorial capital amalgamates numerous findings from endogenous approaches to development. Its originality derives from a holistic and complementary perspective on territorial resources, which give rise to new development trajectories and foster territorial specificity. This concept emphasises the significance of network relationships and the intangibility of resources, along with their embeddedness. It highlights the importance of place specificity and territorial capabilities in creating new values and resources. It forms the basis for place-based development policy.

To reach the necessary cohesion for the member states at socio-economic level, the EU sets substantial budgets in motion to implement its policies. This study proposes an analysis of how European funds were used for the construction of the Cohesion Policy in the segment of transition to low-carbon economy within the South-East Region of Romania, with a focus on the social side. The study case reveals challenges in implementing non-reimbursable financing for programming period 2014-2020/2023. The source of data are the official reports of the ministries with the role of management authority and that are updated up to this moment. The results of this study emphasize the importance of the Cohesion Policy financing for reaching the energy transition targets, but also the need to use a part of this fund for supporting social aspects so that people can more easily overcome the financial barriers on the way to green transition.

The current article aims to underline the main ideas regarding the regional discrepancies in Roma­nia, making reference to Cohesion Policy, a strategic instrument in the European Union which contributes to strengthening cohesion between regions. Since its accession in the EU in 2007, Romania has seen an impressive social-economic growth. However, nowadays, there are high gaps between its eight de­velopment regions, with Bucharest-Ilfov region being the most developed and three others, North-East, South-Muntenia and South-West Oltenia underper­forming.Apart from general statistical data in this re­gard, the paper presents two theoretical concepts: administrative capacity and strategic planning, that the author considers relevant in understanding the reason of the slow rhythm of growth and develop­ment of some regions. Lastly, the paper wishes to be an incipient theoretical study that would initiate new applied research on the regional imbalances in Romania.

The European Council adopted the EU Strategic agenda. In this context, this study provides an overview about the Agenda's implications and also about the 9th Cohesion Report. In this study, a comparison of Cohesion Policy in the EU Strategic Agendas developed for the 2019-2024 and the one developed for 2024-2029 revealed significant differences, adapted to each period's needs, but also common points which remained current in the period 2024-2029. This study underscores that both Agendas admit the importance of cohesion policy in fostering balanced development and reducing disparities among EU regions. Therefore, possible ways to the future were formulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It was emblematic because it presented several empirical evidence that the evaluation has been a driver of improvement and growth for the stakeholders involved, as you will see in the contents of the article. The participatory approach, the continuous listening to the territory, the punctual dissemination of evaluation results and the constant relationship, and joint work, between evaluator and client are among the main distinctive factors of the Tuscany case. It is also in the potential to bring about change in the evaluated context that lies the ethical value of evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivation: As a leading European funding programme aimed at enhancing the cohesion of cross‐border regions and countries, Interreg plays a significant role in fostering regional development. Sustainability, as one of the programme's central themes, covers a large portion of the objective focus, aiming for sustainable development. Although the guidelines contain implications for social sustainability, the programme demonstrates that the concept is poorly understood, which can be seen in project implementation. Purpose: The purpose of this research is to investigate the conceptual framework and development of the discourse on social sustainability in the context of tourism and cohesion strategy, specifically within the Interreg programme. Thus, this article examines the social sustainability discourse within Interreg Europe's implications for cross‐border tourism development. Approach and methods: The study is concerned with the construction of the social sustainability discourse within cohesion policy in the broader European region. In particular, this study seeks to answer the question "how does Interreg structure the discourse on social sustainability in relation to tourism?" Our research is based on a critical review of the literature, followed by a discourse analysis of the core documents of Interreg Europe 2021–2027: the Programme Manual and the Cooperation Programme document. Findings: In conclusion, three key themes emerge from the discourse on social sustainability in tourism: (1) Interreg's recognition of tourism‐dependent regions; (2) a dominant presence of the economic and environmental pillars of sustainability; and (3) an ambiguous characterization of the social pillar and its objectives. As a result, we confirm the significance of social sustainability and clear policy formulation for the development of sustainable tourism. Policy implications: This article warns against imprecise project objectives and the use of overly simplified and ambiguous terminology, while emphasizing the importance of social sustainability in the context of sustainable tourism development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we use a spatial dynamic general equilibrium model to analyse the macroeconomic impact of cohesion policy-like investments in nine net beneficiary member states of the European Union. We examine whether or not the objective of reducing regional disparities (equity) prevents the interventions from maximising their impact on national GDP impact (efficiency) by looking at GDP multipliers and interregional spillovers. We find that there may be an equity-efficiency trade-off depending on the characteristics of both the investments made and the targeted regional economies. Moreover, the analysis shows that the growth spillovers from more developed to less developed regions are limited. This implies that, in order to reduce regional disparities, investment must be made in the less developed regions of each country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Europe is the winner of the Cohesion Policy. It is vital that the model of shared management, multi-level governance, and partnership remains the guiding principle of the Cohesion Policy beyond 2027. Subsidiarity and a place-based approach are crucial; we can't afford to lose the territorial dimension. There is no future for this policy without a strong role of cities and regions. If you try to replace it with a centralized instrument as a top-down Recovery and Resilience Facility, you will destroy the very essence of the Cohesion Policy. The Cohesion Policy is working on the ground, and it must be maintained, in a modernized way. The Cohesion Policy must continue to be the single policy to address the challenges inherent to cohesion in Europe. That includes supporting a just transition in all regions and supporting all territories so that they can take advantage of the single market. That includes supporting all regions so that the EU can be more competitive at a global level. Cohesion Policy is a solution, not a problem!. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assess the macroeconomic impact of the European Union Cohesion Policy investments deployed during the 2014–20 programming period, with a particular focus on territorial cohesion and regional disparities. We use a spatial dynamic general equilibrium (RHOMOLO) to quantify the direct and indirect effects of the policy investments in the NUTS-2 regions of the European Union within a 20-year time frame. The results suggest that the impact of the policy is sizeable, especially in the less developed regions of the European Union. Accordingly, socio-economic disparities at the regional level are shown to decrease thanks to the policy intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic, originating as a health crisis but quickly expanding to other social spheres, had significant and asymmetric impacts across Europe, which potentially undermine territorial cohesion. Much has been written about the overall impact of the pandemic on the underlying thematic and budgetary focus of European Union-level policies with respect to territorial cohesion. However, it remains unclear to what extent policies implemented at regional and local levels in response to the crisis also contribute to territorial cohesion. To address this, we investigated the extent to which the pandemic constituted a 'window of opportunity' for developing innovative policies furthering territorial cohesion policy goals and objectives within member states, and assessed whether the crisis led to more collaborative, integrative and holistic policymaking. To this end, the research examined policy responses across 14 European regions by means of a mixed-method case study approach, including the analysis of relevant policy documents and over 100 semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders. We show that the pandemic led to the introduction of new short-term social policies to reduce socio-economic disparities produced by COVID-19 and accelerated the implementation of green and smart policies. Additionally, the crisis fostered greater collaboration between public authorities and key stakeholders, and between regional and municipal public authorities, although the long-term impact is uncertain. These findings could have policy implications for other crisis situations. Moreover, they suggest that territorial cohesion policies should be tailored to empower regions and local governments to use systemic shocks to draft and implement proactive social, economic and environmental policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study is to examine how and at what stage in the evolution of the cohesion policy rural areas have been incorporated, thus gaining space for empowerment. The role of the territorial instrument, CLLD, will also be considered. The research problem was verified through a review of literature and EU legislative documents as well as empirical material from two evaluation projects. It was found out that the extension of the cohesion policy to include the objective of territorial cohesion was of particular importance for rural areas. In the 2014–2020 financial perspective, due to the territorialisation of cohesion policy – previously perceived as mainly urban – rural areas were considered for participation. CLLD has been proven to strengthen the sense of empowerment of local communities.

Cohesion Policy—the European Union's (EU) policy platform for regional and local development—represents a major yet often neglected instance of Social Europe. In this article we inquire into the delivery of Cohesion Policy projects concerned with social policy objectives. Specifically, we ask: how are these projects delivered? Building on the literature of subsidiarisation in social policy, we theorise that the interaction of two processes—vertical subsidiarisation across territorial levels and horizontal subisidiarisation across sectoral levels—generates different spaces of subsidiarity, with major implications for policy outputs and outcomes. Empirically, we explore the emergence of spaces of subsidiarity in over 800 Cohesion Policy projects for quality employment and labour mobility delivered in Italy, Portugal, and Spain, during the 2010s. We show that, despite common rules, the governance framework through which the social agenda of Cohesion Policy is implemented is not a constant but a variable, one that may be leveraged by future research to explain the heterogeneous impact of Cohesion Policy across the EU. Our contribution is relevant to research on Social Europe, research on the territorial dimension of post‐industrial welfare systems as well as research on Cohesion Policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cohesion Policy is one of the core policy areas of the European Union and one of the largest expenditure items in its budget. Its impact is the subject of intense academic and policy debate, but its effectiveness is an empirical question still open. This article contributes to this debate by performing a region-specific investigation of the direct and indirect impact of Structural Funds expenditure. We employ a heterogeneous panel data model, which accommodates the spatial dependence in a heterogeneous setting and measures heterogeneous spatial spillover effects, both inward and outward. We also consider different channels of spatial spillovers with respect to standard geographical closeness. In particular, the introduction of new measures of proximity that explicitly consider economic linkages between regions is a novel contribution to the literature. The results clearly indicate that the impact of the Cohesion Policy, while positive overall, is highly heterogeneous and the Structural Funds expenditure generates substantial heterogeneous spatial spillovers: the positive effects do not remain confined to the target regions. Finally, strong spillover effects are channelled by value-added trade connections, particularly in regions belonging to the so-called 'Central European Manufacturing Core'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores possibilities for cross-fertilization between the mission-oriented approach (MOA), informing the European Union (EU) Missions, and Cohesion Policy (CP). It argues for mutual policy learning between CP and MOA to address their shortcomings: CP faces a gradual erosion of its identity, while MOA lacks a territorial perspective. MOA can offer a theoretical 'blueprint' for reorganizing and clarifying CP's ever-expanding and blurred thematic scope, providing direction to strengthen CP's result orientation, and encouraging the adoption of 'whole-of-government' approaches to streamline CP's complex governance relationships. MOA can benefit from adopting the CP architecture, which allows for common broad priorities to be adapted to territorial contexts and to regional strategies. MOA could also learn from CP's goal of maximizing equity and efficiency, its focus on empowering regions, and its redistributive approach for fostering the full potential of all regions to address societal challenges to support the objectives of the EU Missions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agreements on Next Generation EU (NGEU) and the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021–2027 (MFF 2021–2027) are extraordinary milestones for the EU integration process. Not only do both regulations have important redistributive effects within a defined timeframe, but both regulations shape the hierarchy of objectives and instruments of EU budgetary policies. This is particularly true for cohesion policy, which has been characterised as the model of EU multilevel governance (MLG). Drawing on historical institutionalism and Peter Hall's classification of policy change, this text examines the dynamics of change in MLG. In particular, this research looks at the timing and scope of changes in EU cohesion policy since the 1980s. We ask whether or not the adoption of NGEU and the MFF 2021–2027 is likely to represent a critical juncture for the MLG and to what extent both regulations modify objectives and instruments of cohesion policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasingly pressing aspects of the energy transition underline the recurring question about a measure of equity in this process, refering to individuals and communities. The European countries’strategies to address energy poverty include energy efficiency policies, which, however, require significant funding support. We propose, therefore, to carry out a study on how the European funding from the 2014-2020 programming period for energy efficiency was accessed in the SouthEastern region of Romania. The research methods used are case study and comparative analysis. We used the open data published by the management authorities for the operational programs in Romania and those of the European Commission. The results reveal the imbalance between the urban and the rural environment in terms of accessing non-reimbursable financing for energy efficiency. The conclusions of this study could be used in order to support local authorities to enhance their capacity to access financing in the period 2021-2027 as well.

The purpose of the article is to theoretically analyse the nature and characteristics of territorial capital. The article examines the conceptual framework of this notion to identify its originality and added value. The applied research method is literature review. The concept of territorial capital amalgamates numerous findings from endogenous approaches to development. Its originality derives from a holistic and complementary perspective on territorial resources, which give rise to new development trajectories and foster territorial specificity. This concept emphasises the significance of network relationships and the intangibility of resources, along with their embeddedness. It highlights the importance of place specificity and territorial capabilities in creating new values and resources. It forms the basis for place-based development policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The subject matter of analysis in this paper is the cohesion policy in the discourse of the Law of the European Central Bank (ECB), which will be reviewed for the purpose of establishing changes in the values and principles of cohesion policy which significantly redefined the postulates of the contemporary EU monetary legislation in the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. In that regard, the paper aims to analytically examine the characteristics and qualitative influence of the tendency to “humanize” the contemporary monetary legislation, as well as the sophisticated modus operandi of shaping the monetary authority by public law in the architecture of the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). By applying the dogmatic, axiological, and comparative law method, the author identifies the greatest dilemmas encountered by the European legislator in the context of adjusting the ECB regulatory activity and its primary tasks to the principles of cohesion policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyse European Union (EU) funds management systems performance using the cases of Hungary and Slovakia – two Central European countries with a common history and background, yet different concepts of EU funds management. We explore the role of administrative capacity and institutional stability as key factors affecting performance in both countries. We also provide evidence for the relationship between administrative capacity and non-compliance, measured by financial corrections, with a model robust to different programming periods and model specifications. Using the resulting baseline model applicable to all EU countries, we assess EU funds management system performance in Hungary and Slovakia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Administrative capacities are among the crucial factors influencing success in European Union (EU) Cohesion Policy absorption. The current research concentrates on the public sector, while administrative capacities in other stakeholders are omitted. Our research focuses on whether local stakeholders from civil society have sufficient capacities to contribute effectively and efficiently to EU Cohesion Policy implementation. We performed our research on 57 integrated urban development plans in Czechia and Portugal and conducted 33 interviews with local entities. The results indicate a different level of capacity not only between the public and civil society organizations but also within civil society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main problem when discussing cohesion policy is its results are challenging to measure. Even if, for almost thirty years' community action tried to solve regional disparities, considerable differences between certain parts of the European Union still exist nowadays. Therefore, the future purpose of territorial cooperation should be to support joint initiatives that establish cross-border and transnational network cooperation. This paper aims to determine the importance of inter-regional cooperation to increase the Cohesion Policy's performance. We would try to show that the regions facing the most significant difficulties in identifying comparative advantages and generating innovative specialization strategies either lack the historical or traditional basis for regional projects or do not have structures to represent them inter-regional dialogues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After joining the European Union, Polish entrepreneurs, especially those in the small and medium-sized sector, gained the opportunity to be supported by non-repayable aid funds, mainly under the Cohesion Policy. They used these funds primarily for the expansion of production (service) capacities, research and development activities, implementation of innovations and training of human resources. Despite the need to meet numerous requirements, they eagerly sought EU funds because of their non-refundable nature. When analysing the available results of studies and analyses in the field of support to SMEs through EU non-reimbursable aid, it is difficult to assess clearly their importance for the functioning and development of the sector in question, in particular for the investment, innovation or R&D activities of SMEs. This is due to the fact that they were usually of a fragmentary nature. Effects were assessed in terms of the project system (tangible products) and not in terms of their importance for the functioning of the SME sector. This study is an attempt at a broader assessment of the significance of EU funding for SMEs, taking into account the author’s experience in preparing, evaluating and implementing projects co-financed by funds in the analysed sector. The subject of the analysis carried out in the study is the volume, directions and effects of support for the SME sector in Poland with EU funds, while the aim is to determine the importance of this support in the activities of the entities in this sector (excluding investments in human capital). The analysis covers the last two completed Cohesion Policy programming periods: 2007–2013 and 2014–2020. The data used for the analysis come from the sources of the Ministry responsible for the implementation of EU funds in Poland, the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development, and public statistics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to understand the relevant pre-conditions and barriers for territorial innovation behind the Research and Innovation Strategies for Smart Specialisation (RIS3) of a lagging European Union (EU) region. For that purpose, a Delphi was conducted to a panel of experts responsible for the design of the RIS3 of the Centro region of Portugal. Consensus was reached on the role of determinant factors for territorial innovation, but the operationalization and effectiveness of the RIS3 remained debatable. Policy recommendations focus on the need to increase the inclusiveness of different actors and knowledge in RIS3 and overcome some of its barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We develop a novel citizen-centred multi-dimensional approach to public value creation in regional policy. Drawing on 47 citizen focus groups in 16 European regions, public values are analysed through an interpretative comparative approach. Goal attainment is a positive and widely held value. However, evaluations of institutional performance and democratic values are more negative. The findings have significant implications for public value management. We propose a five C's public value creation framework emphasizing coherence across public values and the communication and co-creation of public value sustained through capacity building and continuous feedback. Implications for public value theory, European regional policy and future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study challenges the traditional reliance on GDP as the sole indicator of the success of the EU's cohesion policy, aligning with the evolving academic discourse that calls for a broader spectrum of metrics incorporating social factors. The research aims to assess the impact of cohesion on economic performance and social progress at the regional level in Central and Eastern European countries, using regression analysis on panel data. Inspired by the call to move beyond GDP-focused assessments, this research re-evaluates cohesion policy within an expanded framework that prioritizes economic and social dimensions. Specifically, it addresses the escalating concerns of income disparity and poverty in Central and Eastern European nations. Utilizing panel data regression models, this study scrutinizes data from 2007 to 2018, covering two recent programming periods, to offer a comprehensive, multifaceted analysis of the impact of cohesion policy. It underscores the policy's dual role in spurring economic growth and fostering social progress, particularly in mitigating income inequality and reducing poverty. The findings reveal that cohesion policies positively affect both economic performance and social progress, with notable impacts on narrowing the income gap and alleviating poverty in these regions. However, the economic benefits for poverty reduction materialize over a prolonged period, reflecting the gradual nature of policy impact and the time needed for investments to materialize. The study emphasizes the need for a long-term strategic vision in implementing cohesion policies. This includes enhanced data collection, a deeper focus on the social ramifications of policies, streamlined policy processes, capacity building, institutional strengthening, and prioritizing equitable opportunities to bridge income gaps effectively. This comprehensive approach aims to maximize the dual benefits of cohesion policies, promoting balanced economic and social progress across Central and Eastern Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the core of EU’s complex agenda stands the Cohesion Policy, which has been renewed for the following stage, namely 2021-2027. The new cohesion policy places great focus on the territorial sustainable development, particularly for cities, by introducing a supplementary objective titled “Europe closer to Citizens”. The present article offers an analysis of the main elements of this renewed agenda on sustainable development of the cities and the instruments to reinforce convergence of its implementation, across European local communities.

ABSTRACTBetween 2019 and 2021, the Autonomous Region of Sardinia and the Eni Enrico Mattei Foundation (FEEM) developed and applied a sustainability assessment model of the investments within the regional operational programmes (ROPs), with specific reference to the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). That same methodology is used here for the assessment of the sustainability of the ROPs co-financed by the European Union with specific reference to Italy’s National Sustainable Development Strategy (NSDS). In particular, the analysis is done by looking at the contribution of the 182 intervention fields to the NSDS’ strategic goals. Throughout the paper the importance of defining implementation strategies of the NSDS’ National strategic goals through the integration of the indicators, goals and choices of the national strategy into local or regional development plans is emphasized. Finally, the work suggests this methodology as a reference point to ensure careful monitoring of the sustainability of the investments of various European Union policies, in consideration of the importance that the strategy assumes for both Italy and the Italian regions.

The current article aims to underline the main ideas regarding the regional discrepancies in Romania, making reference to Cohesion Policy, a strategic instrument in the European Union which contributes to strengthening cohesion between regions. Since its accession in the EU in 2007, Romania has seen an impressive social-economic growth. However, nowadays, there are high gaps between its eight development regions, with Bucharest-Ilfov region being the most developed and three others, North-East, South-Muntenia and South-West Oltenia underperforming. Apart from general statistical data in this regard, the paper presents two theoretical concepts: administrative capacity and strategic planning, that the author considers relevant in understanding the reason of the slow rhythm of growth and development of some regions. Lastly, the paper wishes to be an incipient theoretical study that would initiate new applied research on the regional imbalances in Romania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study is to examine how and at what stage in the evolution of the cohesion policy rural areas have been incorporated, thus gaining space for empowerment. The role of the territorial instrument, CLLD, will also be considered. The research problem was verified through a review of literature and EU legislative documents as well as empirical material from two evaluation projects. It was found out that the extension of the cohesion policy to include the objective of territorial cohesion was of particular importance for rural areas. In the 2014-2020 financial perspective, due to the territorialisation of cohesion policy -- previously perceived as mainly urban -- rural areas were considered for participation. CLLD has been proven to strengthen the sense of empowerment of local communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the impact of the main criterion employed by the European Commission for the allocation of the largest portion of Structural Funds, based on the threshold of the 75% of European Union (EU) average gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. We focus on the 2014–2020 programming period and on EU‐15 regions to analyze if this criterion has penalized some of them, as a consequence of the 2004 EU enlargement, which has represented an exogenous shock in the allocation process, due to the economic backwardness of new member states. Through the application of Synthetic Control Methods and Difference‐in‐Differences estimators at different geographical scales, we show that regions that did not obtain the less developed status in both the programming period 2007–2013 and 2014–2020, but that would have obtained it in the period 2014–2020 without the 2004 EU enlargement, experienced a significantly lower GDP per capita growth between −10.5% and −5.7%. Conversely, territories that in the period 2014–2020 lost the less developed status, previously obtained in the time frame 2007–2013, were not characterized by a significantly lower economic growth, providing some evidence of the effectiveness of the safety net. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper evaluates the effect of illegal activities on Cohesion Policy implementation. This issue is fundamental in Italy, where large delays in expenditure risk to undermine the growth-enhancing effects of funds. To explain delays, we focus on two criminal behaviours: corruption and organized crime. By exploiting a two-step approach, an empirical analysis is carried out on Italian provinces, with a focus on Southern ones, between 2007 and 2015. The findings show that both crimes, impacting the efficiency of funds, cause delays in the implementation of Cohesion Policy. These consequences are higher if linked to corruption rather than to organized crime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reach the necessary cohesion for the member states at socio-economic level, the EU sets substantial budgets in motion to implement its policies. This study proposes an analysis of how European funds were used for the construction of the Cohesion Policy in the segment of transition to low-carbon economy within the South-East Region of Romania, with a focus on the social side. The study case reveals challenges in implementing non-reimbursable financing for programming period 2014-2020/2023. The source of data are the official reports of the ministries with the role of management authority and that are updated up to this moment. The results of this study emphasize the importance of the Cohesion Policy financing for reaching the energy transition targets, but also the need to use a part of this fund for supporting social aspects so that people can more easily overcome the financial barriers on the way to green transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]