Regional Policy in Europe : No Place Left Behind

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Downes, Ruth and Ferry, Martin and Maguire, Rachel and Bachtler, John (2024) Regional Policy in Europe : No Place Left Behind. University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.

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Abstract

Regional policy makers face multiple challenges at different scales of intervention. Long-term structural disparities are exacerbated by the impact of more recent crises and the green transition is creating new vulnerabilities. Security issues have recently emerged in many European countries as a growing factor in regional development in the current geo-political context. The economic and social consequences of regional disparities are giving rise to increasing popular discontent which is being reflected in ballot boxes across Europe. These pressures are reflected in a significant and growing political and policy commitment to addressing territorial inequality. There is growing focus on place-based and place-sensitive approaches, a trend which has been emerging over several years. This report provides an analysis of recent trends in regional disparities before focusing on the changes and developments in the regional policy response. The report looks in detail at the new legislation and national strategies which have been launched over the 2023-24 period as well as policy change following national elections. Interesting evaluations and assessments taking stock of regional policy approaches and effectiveness are reviewed as well as detail of changes to policy instruments. The report also focuses on the importance of governance structures and institutions for effective policy design and implementation, looking particularly at changing distribution of power and resources between central and sub-national governments and wider decentralisation trends.

ORCID iDs

Downes, Ruth, Ferry, Martin ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4612-9067, Maguire, Rachel ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7148-9978 and Bachtler, John ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0706-597X;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)