Cohesion Policy for Europe 2020

Abstract

Cohesion policy is one of the more important elements of the European Union’s (EU) integrated processes. Evaluating this type of mechanism can show the efficiency of European policy convergence and its elimination of development inequalities between Member States (MSs). The Europe 2020 Strategy introduced new challenges for MSs through strategic goals piloted by targets. MSs work at creating opportunities in an endogenous Union in which cohesion policy is formulated to best conflate and balance cooperation. This chapter examines cohesion policy as a tool for harmonized development by enlightening what are the, and how to decrease, development disparities among MSs. Europe 2020 targets are examined from 2011 to 2018. Overall, best results were found in Scandinavia, Benelux, and Northern Western countries, while Southern countries recorded low results. Specific MS-concerns, highlighted at the national-level, include lack of effective institutional framework, transport infrastructure, education, and innovation policy.