1.) Analysis of the relationship between the two objectives of the cohesion policies: growth and reduction of disparities, taking into account any contradictions, tensions, or completions between these objectives.
2.)Analysis and comparison of the thematic priorities of the European Regional Development Fund (EC) No. 1080/2006 and the European Social Fund (EC) 1081/2006 in the light of overall objectives for the cohesion policies to regard differences in scope, similarities and potential synergies.
3.) Analysis of the present distribution of the financial means of the European Structural Funds, as well as the main reasons and criteria for this decision of distribution. Assessment of the adequacy of the existing distribution and reasons for its conception.
4.) Systematic differentiation of European Structural Funds and European funding programmes on the basis of self-developed criteria .
5.) Contribution of the quality of regional public administration services to an effective and efficient implementation of the European Structural Funds.
Introduction:
In March 2000 at the Lisbon Spring Council, the 15 European Union (EU) leaders at that time agreed that the EU should commit to raising the rate of growth and employment to underpin social cohesion and environmental sustainability. The EU set itself “a strategic goal for the next decade: to become the most dynamic and competitive knowledge-based economy in the world, capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion, and respect for the environment”. In June 2001 in Göteborg, the strategy adds the environmental dimension to the Lisbon Strategy (LS) and is conceived as a completion of the EU commitment to economic and social renewal. The new, more complete, and ambitious EU sustainable development strategy with objectives, indicators and an effective monitoring procedure should be based on a long-term positive vision and fully include the external dimension.
In 2005 the results did not meet expectations, so the strategy had been renewed to have new impulses. As a result of the renewed LS, the cohesion policy for the programming period 2007-2013 is marked by the objectives of growth and jobs agenda, especially in the areas of innovation, research, skills, and human capital, and additionally brought reform of the objectives and funds.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Lesson 1 Analysis of the relationship between the two objectives of the cohesion policies: growth and reduction of disparities, taking into account any contradictions, tensions or completions
Lesson 2 Analysis and comparison of the thematic priorities of the European Regional Development Fund (EC) No. 1080/2006 and the European Social Fund (EC) 1081/2006 in the light of overall objectives for the cohesion policies to regard differences in scope, similarities and potential synergies.
Lesson 3 Analysis of the present distribution of the financial means of the European Structural Funds, as well as the main reasons and criteria for this decision of distribution. Assessment of the adequacy of the existing distribution and reasons for its conception.
Lesson 4 Systematic differentiation of European Structural Funds and European funding programmes on the basis of self-developed criteria
Lesson 5 Contribution of the quality of regional public administration services to an effective and efficient implementation of the European Structural Funds
Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
The primary objective of this work is to examine the European Union's cohesion policy within the context of the Lisbon Strategy, specifically focusing on the intersection between economic growth and the reduction of regional disparities. The research addresses the effectiveness of structural funds, the strategic alignment of financial instruments, and the critical role of administrative capacity in implementation.
- The relationship between economic growth and social cohesion objectives
- Comparative analysis of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and European Social Fund (ESF)
- Criteria for the distribution of financial resources within the European Structural Funds
- Distinctions between Structural Funds and other European funding programmes
- The impact of regional public administration quality on project implementation efficiency
Excerpt from the Book
Lesson 1 Analysis of the relationship between the two objectives of the cohesion policies: growth and reduction of disparities, taking into account any contradictions, tensions, or completions between these objectives.
The former goal of the reduction of disparities between the European Member States (MS) is no longer the only aim of cohesion policy. The Lisbon Agenda established the change from cohesion policy to growth policy as a strategic approach. It is a moot question whether the objectives complement each other or are contradictory.
Cohesion policy is legally based on Article 158 of the Treaty establishing the European Community (TEC). Cohesion policies are intended to compensate and reduce structural deficits through redistribution between the various regions and MS. This should balance out economic differences and strengthen the unity of the EU, especially with the new eastern MS. The core message of the actual cohesion policy is: more growth and employment for all regions and cities of the EU.
Based on the LS, funds of the cohesion policy should promote the three new general political objectives: convergence, competitiveness, and employment as well as adding to territorial cohesion. This means for the old EU-MS a clear new orientation towards the aims of the LS. It can be assumed that through a higher measure of these objectives in the Union, the Lisbon targets could be implemented more effectively and that the emphasis can be shifted to these economic subjects.
Sustainable growth for the entire EU has become more important because of two main challenges. At first a high loss of economic power depends on the demographic problem. Europe has to face the problem of ageing populations, which will lead to more pensioners and less working-age inhabitants. This loss of economic power in conjunction with increasing expenditures for the provision for the old citizens will stress the European Social model and mean higher costs for health care and pensions. On the other hand, the EU economy also has increasing competitive pressure from continually expanding globalisation, especially from the industrial nations USA and Japan.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides the context of the Lisbon Strategy and the evolution of European cohesion policy towards growth and environmental sustainability.
Lesson 1 Analysis of the relationship between the two objectives of the cohesion policies: growth and reduction of disparities, taking into account any contradictions, tensions or completions: Examines the strategic shift from simple redistribution to a growth-oriented approach and the resulting tensions between economic development and social cohesion.
Lesson 2 Analysis and comparison of the thematic priorities of the European Regional Development Fund (EC) No. 1080/2006 and the European Social Fund (EC) 1081/2006 in the light of overall objectives for the cohesion policies to regard differences in scope, similarities and potential synergies.: Compares the legal and functional scope of the ERDF and ESF, highlighting their complementary nature in supporting regional development and human capital.
Lesson 3 Analysis of the present distribution of the financial means of the European Structural Funds, as well as the main reasons and criteria for this decision of distribution. Assessment of the adequacy of the existing distribution and reasons for its conception.: Evaluates the financial framework of the EU and the rationale behind the allocation of funds to specific policy priorities such as competitiveness and convergence.
Lesson 4 Systematic differentiation of European Structural Funds and European funding programmes on the basis of self-developed criteria: Contrasts large-scale structural funds with specific European action programmes regarding their funding mechanisms, management, and strategic goals.
Lesson 5 Contribution of the quality of regional public administration services to an effective and efficient implementation of the European Structural Funds: Discusses how administrative quality, institutional capacity, and multi-level governance influence the success of Structural Fund implementation.
Conclusion: Summarizes the necessity of synergy between economic, social, and environmental goals to ensure the effectiveness of future cohesion policies.
Keywords
Cohesion Policy, Lisbon Strategy, European Structural Funds, ERDF, ESF, Economic Growth, Regional Disparities, Convergence, Competitiveness, Public Administration, Multi-level Governance, Sustainable Development, Financial Framework, Institutional Capacity, Employment
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
This paper focuses on the European Union's cohesion policy, specifically analyzing how the policy shifted toward growth-oriented goals under the Lisbon Strategy and how these goals are implemented through structural funds.
What are the key thematic areas covered?
The key themes include the relationship between economic growth and social cohesion, the comparative functions of the ERDF and ESF, the criteria for financial distribution, and the importance of administrative quality in regional implementation.
What is the main research objective?
The objective is to understand the effectiveness of current EU cohesion policies in balancing economic growth with the reduction of regional disparities and to identify how administrative performance impacts these outcomes.
Which scientific method is applied?
The work utilizes a comparative analytical method, evaluating legal regulations, budgetary frameworks, and case studies (such as the comparison between the Mezzogiorno and Ireland) to draw conclusions.
What does the main body of the work address?
The main body covers the strategic realignment of policies, the technical differences between various European funds, the analysis of financial distributions across EU budgetary headings, and the critical role of institutional and administrative frameworks.
What are the characterizing keywords of this work?
The work is characterized by terms such as Cohesion Policy, Lisbon Strategy, Structural Funds, Convergence, and Institutional Capacity.
How do the ERDF and ESF differ in their specific roles?
While both aim at cohesion, the ERDF focuses on regional development, infrastructure, and productive investment, whereas the ESF focuses on human capital, labour market participation, and social inclusion.
Why is administrative capacity critical for Structural Fund success?
As highlighted in Lesson 5, efficient implementation is dependent on the ability of local authorities to manage funds transparently and effectively; poor administration or "red tape" can lead to the inefficient use of resources, as seen in the Mezzogiorno case study.
What is the significance of the Mezzogiorno and Ireland comparison?
This comparison serves as a practical example to illustrate how differences in administrative capacity, human capital investment, and political institutional quality can lead to vastly different economic results despite receiving EU support.
How does the author propose to improve the effectiveness of future policies?
The author suggests a better balance between policy instruments (infrastructure, human capital, and direct aid), a focus on institutional reform, and ensuring that regional administrative bodies are well-equipped to integrate investments into wider national development plans.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Anja Horn (Autor:in), 2008, European Cohesion Policies, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/203580
