The New Role and Resurgence of Regions in the EU

It will be argued in this chapter that a key current issue is the role not just of the EU in relation to the nation state, but also of the region in relation to both. It will be shown that the EU has become an independent actor of economic and political stature which has also provided an enhanced role for regions. The chapter begins by examining the reasons for the divide between the core and peripheral regions. It then looks at the case for an EU regional policy which is justified from competing perspectives of the integration process. The effects are discussed within the two analytical approaches of regional divergence and convergence. The main indicators referred to are those of GDP and unemployment. Emphasis is given to the operation of the Structural Funds (SFs) and the continued attempts to re-prioritise the different Objectives to achieve a policy of convergence. The economic effects of the SFs are emphasised and also the involvement of regions through different links and networks. The factors underlying this resurgence of the regions are explained particularly in terms of the growth of the SFs and the new institutional framework, such as the Committee of the Regions. The enlargement of the Union is covered, especially in terms of its growing membership involving poorer countries with more severe regional problems.