The Price of Europeanization

Why European Regional Policy Initiatives Are a Mixed Blessing

Bibliographic Data

ID12576231
AuthorsEiko R Thielemann (corresponding author), E Thielemann
Year2002
Volume12
Issue1
Pages43-65
Publication date2002-03-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueRegional & Federal Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1359-7566 • E-ISSN: 1743-9434
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/714004719
OpenAlexW2143867208
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited17

In trying to explain and assess the impact of European policy initiatives on regional policy-making in the member states, the article identifies three dichotomies (or competing functioning logics) that have shaped regional policy-making in Europe. Against the background of these dichotomies, the article addresses three questions that are crucial for analysing regional policy-making in Europe. Are the Structural Funds primarily a compensatory mechanism for imbalances in net-contributions to the EU budget? Has the logic of decision-making in the area of European regional policy moved towards multi-level governance? Are European cohesion objectives undermined by the Commission's activities in the area of state-aid control? Evidence from East Germany's integration into the EC's regional policy regime supports the claim that European regional policy initiatives can constitute a double-edged sword for member states. While member states have been able to reap financial benefits, these benefits have come at a political cost as European regional policy initiatives have curtailed the independence of national authorities

Blessing · Geography · Political science · Regional Policy · European Union Policy and Governance · Law · Political Systems and Governance · Regional Development and Policy

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