The first chapter is divided into two sections; the first section aims to present the
most important steps toward the current systems of European Cohesion and Funding Policies,
and the second section summarizes the main funding streams of the current cohesion
policy. In addition, in the second part, the linkage between the different financial instruments
and the objectives of Structural Fund assistance is clarified.
The second chapter examines the effectiveness and efficiency of the cohesion policy in reducing
regional disparities, with a reference to the preceding funding period. Due to the
restriction on the length of in this paper, the reduction of regional disparities will be assessed
by examining economic performance and employment according to the objectives
of the cohesion policy and its financial instruments.
Due to the difficulties in separating the contributions of the cohesion policy from the
overall effects of progress, the achievements of the Lisbon objectives will be scrutinized in
the following section. Selected Structural Indicators will be examined to remark
on the progress in the set key areas.
The following section aims to conduct a partial examination of the impact and weaknesses of
pre-accession assistance. Examining the question of institutional and administrative capacity
building, the section will scrutinize the development of economic performance of
and employment levels in the new Member States in the 2000–2006 funding period.
The objective of the preceeding chapter is to determine the impacts of the Europe 2020 objectives
on cohesion policy, examine the adequacy of established goals, and compare the
Europe 2020 objectives with those of the Lisbon Strategy.
The objective of the last section is to analyze the proposals for a reformed cohesion
policy as submitted in the BARCA report. Therefore, the advantages and disadvantages
that appears when considering the proposals will be discussed. In addition, the main differences
with the current practice will be considered.
Table of Contents
I. EUROPEAN COHESION POLICY
A. ESTABLISHMENT, DEVELOPMENT, AND THE CURRENT STATUS OF THE COHESION POLICY
B. FUNDING STREAMS AND THEIR OBJECTIVES
II. LESSONS LEARNED - EXPERIENCES OF THE PAST FUNDING PERIOD
A. EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS
B. COHESION POLICY AND THE GOALS OF LISBON
C. OBJECTIVE INTEGRATION - THE MEMBER STATES OF THE EASTWARD ENLARGEMENTS
III. NEW CHALLENGES, NEW WAYS? THE FUTURE OF THE COHESION POLICY
A. IMPACTS AND ADEQUACY: EUROPE 2020
B. THE BARCA-REPORT - MEASURE OF THINGS?
Research Objectives and Key Topics
This paper examines the evolution, effectiveness, and future prospects of European Cohesion and Funding policies. The central objective is to evaluate how financial instruments, such as the Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund, have historically contributed to reducing regional disparities and fostering economic growth, while simultaneously analyzing the shift in policy priorities towards the Lisbon Strategy and the Europe 2020 framework.
- Historical development of European structural and cohesion policies.
- Evaluation of funding streams and their socio-economic objectives.
- Assessment of policy effectiveness in terms of growth, employment, and regional convergence.
- Impact analysis of pre-accession assistance on new Member States.
- Strategic future orientations, including the Europe 2020 strategy and the Barca Report.
Excerpt from the Book
A. ESTABLISHMENT, DEVELOPMENT, AND THE CURRENT STATUS OF THE COHESION POLICY
Structural policy dates back to the time of the European Economic Communities (EEC). The foundation stone was laid with the adoption of the EEC Treaty, which sets the objective of a „(…) harmonious development [of the Member States’ economies] by reducing the differences existing between the various regions and the backwardness of the less favoured regions (…).“1 In 1960, the first fund to be established was the European Social Fund (ESF). Together with the European Investment Bank (EIB), which had already been established in 1957, the ESF was expected to underpin industrial reconversion2. In addition to the ESF, the European Agriculture and Guidance Fund (EAGF) was established in 1962. In 2006, it was substituted by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and agricultural policy was uncoupled from the Structural Funds. The economic crisis of the 1970s brought about a general expansion in the scope of structural policy, which also became obvious with the establishment of the European Regional Development Fund in 19753.
Between 1975 and 1985, the European structural policy evolved slowly. With the adoption of the Single European Act, the cohesion policy was enshrined in the Treaties in 19864. With regard to upcoming enlargement rounds, the creation of specifically targeted financial instruments becomes necessary. Thus, the Poland and Hungary Aid for the Reconstruction of the Economy (PHARE), the Instrument for Structural Programmes for Pre-accession (ISPA), and Support for Pre-accession measures for Agricultural and Rural Development (SAPARD) funds were created.
Summary of Chapters
I. EUROPEAN COHESION POLICY: This chapter outlines the historical evolution of structural policy within the EEC and summarizes the primary financial instruments and their key objectives.
II. LESSONS LEARNED - EXPERIENCES OF THE PAST FUNDING PERIOD: This section provides an analytical assessment of policy effectiveness by evaluating economic performance and employment data, with a specific focus on the integration of new Member States and adherence to Lisbon goals.
III. NEW CHALLENGES, NEW WAYS? THE FUTURE OF THE COHESION POLICY: This chapter investigates the shifting strategic landscape, evaluating the Europe 2020 objectives and the proposed reforms outlined in the Barca Report.
Keywords
European Cohesion Policy, Structural Funds, Cohesion Fund, Lisbon Strategy, Europe 2020, Regional Convergence, Economic Disparities, Barca Report, Pre-accession Assistance, PHARE, ISPA, SAPARD, Multilevel Governance, Employment, Innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this paper?
The paper provides a comprehensive review of European Cohesion and Funding policies, evaluating their development from the early EEC era to the current strategic frameworks like Europe 2020.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The study covers the historical timeline of funding instruments, the effectiveness of structural policy in reducing regional gaps, the influence of the Lisbon Strategy on job creation, and future reform proposals.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to determine the impacts of EU cohesion policies on regional development and to assess whether these policies have successfully narrowed economic gaps between Member States.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The author utilizes an analytical approach, reviewing official EC reports, historical treaty developments, and quantitative data concerning per capita GDP and employment rates across different funding periods.
What does the main body of the work address?
It addresses the efficiency of financial tools, the challenges of Eastern enlargement, and the strategic pivot toward performance-based objectives in the Europe 2020 era.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Key terms include cohesion policy, structural funds, regional convergence, and place-based policy approaches.
How does the author evaluate the Lisbon Strategy's impact?
The paper highlights that while employment growth was observed, the strategy's overall impact on complex socio-economic goals remains difficult to quantify due to the complex nature of external economic factors.
What role does the Barca Report play in the analysis?
The Barca Report is presented as a fundamental proposal for reforming the current architecture of cohesion policy, advocating for a place-based approach and a focus on core strategic priorities.
Does the paper distinguish between the different funding instruments?
Yes, the text provides a detailed distinction between the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Social Fund (ESF), and the Cohesion Fund, explaining their specific target groups and focus areas.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Diplom-Betriebswirt (FH) Sven Czekalla (Autor:in), 2010, European Cohesion And Funding Policies, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/173408
