The New Europe
Regional Policy
Twin processes: Europeanization and Regionalization
A Europe of Regions
The Regions
Vary in size/population,
power, political salience; decided by the nation states
E.g. Germany – they are
co-terminous with the Lander
In Italy and Spain - with
regional governments
In Poland, France –
invented as vehicle for participating in EU policies
Representing ÒregionalÓ
interests at the EU and administering/overseeing the expenditure of EU regional
funds
Funds (see Box 18.3)
European
Regional Development Fund (1975) (given treaty basis in SEA 1986)
Created after accession of UK, Italy, Austria
Infrastructural Improvement, job creation, local
development, aid to small business
Restructuring the economy
European Social
Fund
Re-training of workforce, worker recruitment
European
Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund
Rural development, aid for farmers in lagging
regions
European Cohesion Fund
(1993)
For the poorest member states (GNP per capital
<90% of EU average)
For finance of major projects in environment and
transport
Resources in the EU
Percentages in 2011
Ò4th resourceÓ a % of each countryÕs
GDP 75%
Òown
resourcesÓ from tariffs, etc. 13%
VAT taxes (base
capped at 50% of GNI for poorer countries)
11%
other – 5%