scholarly journals Distributing the European structural and investment funds from a conflicting claims approach

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
María-José Solís-Baltodano ◽  
José-Manuel Giménez-Gómez ◽  
Josep E. Peris
Keyword(s):  
Investment Funds ◽  
Actual Problem ◽  
Development Fund ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Structural Funds ◽  
European Regional Development Fund ◽  
Allocation Process ◽  
Claims Problem ◽  
Future Policy ◽  
The Eu

AbstractIn order to support economic development across all European Union regions, €351.8 billion –almost a third of the total EU budget– has been set aside for the Cohesion Policy during the 2014–2020 period. The distribution of this budget is made through five main structural and investment funds, after long and difficult negotiations among the EU member states. This paper analyzes the problem of allocating the limited resources of the European Regional Development Fund as a conflicting claims problem. Specifically, we attempt to show how the conflicting claims approach fits this actual problem, and we propose alternative ways of distributing the budget via (i) claims solutions or (ii) the imposition of bounds (guarantees) to each of the regions. By applying this approach we also show that there is a claims solution that performs better than the others by reducing inequality and promoting convergence to a greater degree. It is clear that political bargaining will always be part of the allocation process. However, having an intuitive initial proposal may help politicians to find the best agreement. To that effect, we propose the use of a claims solution as a way to find an initial proposal for future policy changes concerning the allocations of the EU structural funds.

THE USE OF EU FUNDS FOR TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT IN POLAND

2017 ◽  
Vol 69 (0) ◽  
pp. 81-89
Author(s):  
Ryszard Rolbiecki ◽  
Dorota Książkiewicz
Keyword(s):  
Transport Infrastructure ◽  
Transport Sector ◽  
Infrastructure Development ◽  
Development Fund ◽  
Structural Funds ◽  
European Regional Development Fund ◽  
Capital Spending ◽  
Cohesion Fund ◽  
Infrastructure Investments ◽  
The Eu

Significant backlog of transport infrastructure development in Poland is to a great extent a consequence of small capital spending on transport development. Since Poland entered the EU, European funds are an important source of support to infrastructure investments in transport sector. Financial support from the European Regional Development Fund and the Cohesion Fund optained by Poland in years 2004–2006 and 2007–2013, allowed for a substantial increase in investment expenditure on transport infrastructure and as a result, allowed for accelerating infrastructure modernization. Also in the current budgetary perspective of 2014– 2020 there are no delays in the use of the structural funds and the Cohesion Fund. The processes of signing funding agreements and the submission of applications for refund are smoothly covered.

scholarly journals The main achievements of the EU structural funds 2007–2013 in the EU member states: efficiency analysis of transport sector

Equilibrium ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 285-306 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lukáš Melecký
Keyword(s):  
Efficiency Analysis ◽  
Lower Amount ◽  
Transport Sector ◽  
Cohesion Policy ◽  
Member States ◽  
Development Fund ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Structural Funds ◽  
Eu Structural Funds ◽  
The Eu

Research background: The European Union currently provides financial support to the Member States through various financial tools from European Structural and Investment Funds 2014–2020, and previously from the EU Structural Funds. In both terminologies, the funds represent the main instrument of EU Cohesion Policy to sustain territorial development, to increase competitiveness and to eliminate regional disparities. The overall impact of EU Funds depends on the structure of funding and absorption capacity of the country. Purpose of the article: The efficiency of funding across the EU Member States is a fundamental issue for EU development as a whole. The Author considers deter-mining the efficiency of EU Funds as an issue of high importance, and therefore this paper provides a contribution to the debate on the role of EU Cohesion Policy in the Member States. The paper focuses on territorial effects of relevant EU Funds in programming period 2007–2013 in infrastructure through efficiency analysis. Methods: Efficiency analysis is based on data at the country level, originating from ex-post evaluation of Cohesion Policy programmes 2007–2013 and representing the input and output variables to analyse whether the goal of fostering growth in the target countries have been achieved with the funds provided, and whether or not more resources generated stronger growth effects in transport accessibility. The paper deals with comparative cross-country analysis, descriptive analysis of dataset and multiple-criteria approach of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) in the form of output-oriented BCC VRS model of efficiency and output-oriented APM VRS subsequently model of super-efficiency. Findings & Value added: The paper aims to test the factors of two inputs and five outputs, trying to elucidate the differences obtained by the Member States in effective use of the European Regional Development Fund and the Cohesion Fund in the transport sector. The paper determines if the countries have been more efficient in increasing their levels of competitive advantages linked with transport. Preliminary results reveal that most countries with a lower amount of funding achieve higher efficiency, especially countries in a group of so-called “old EU Member States”, i.e. group EU15.

scholarly journals A Clash between the Business and Political Climates in Sweden – Gender in the European Structural Fund Partnerships

2011 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mona Hedfeldt ◽  
Gun Hedlund
Keyword(s):  
Women Entrepreneurs ◽  
Financial Resources ◽  
Structural Fund ◽  
Development Fund ◽  
Structural Funds ◽  
European Regional Development Fund ◽  
Eu Structural Funds ◽  
European Regional ◽  
Gain Access ◽  
The Eu

In this paper we highlight and discuss a Swedish equality paradox in two different spheres: entrepreneurship and politics. We focus on the EU Structural Funds and women entrepreneurs' access to resources through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Combining human geography and political science, we draw upon network and partnership theory posing questions concerning the room for manoeuvre for women entrepreneurs to gain access to relevant networks, to create new networks in order to establish relations with EU related partnerships, and to gain access to the process of allocating EU structural fund financial resources.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of EU Regional Policy: Evidence from a Natural Experiment in Finland

REGION ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Ville Vehkasalo
Keyword(s):  
Regional Policy ◽  
Natural Experiment ◽  
Postal Code ◽  
Development Fund ◽  
Structural Funds ◽  
European Regional Development Fund ◽  
Postal Code Area ◽  
European Regional ◽  
The Eu

European Union regional policy is implemented through structural funds, such as the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), which support investment in peripheral regions of the EU. We studied the effects of EU regional policy on key economic variables using a rare natural experiment setting. In 2007, parts of regions that were previously covered by the ERDF programme for Western Finland were reallocated to the ERDF programme for Northern Finland, with higher support intensity per capita. This area reallocation was caused by the newly adopted EU legislation regulating the classification of regional statistical areas. With a detailed postal code area dataset and a difference-in-differences estimator, we discovered desirable regional policy effects on unemployment and the number of jobs.

scholarly journals Growing Significance of EU Institutions in Promotion of Inter-regional policies

2014 ◽  
pp. 222-230
Author(s):  
E. V. Ermakova
Keyword(s):  
Political Crisis ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Member States ◽  
Belgian Society ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Structural Funds ◽  
Regional Policies ◽  
Regional Committee ◽  
Walloon Region ◽  
The Eu

The article explores the variety of tools and vehicles applied within the EU to expand the prerogative of the regions of the EU member states. The author uses as an example the inter-regional policies in Belgium in respect of the Flemish Region and the Walloon Region. The author analyzes the mechanisms of promotion of external regional relations in Belgium as a means of addressing different problems both on national and all-European level, supporting the arguments and conclusions by examples of relevant EU initiatives. The article details the activities of the EU Regional Committee (RC), the EU advisory body with the powers of political initiative, upholding the principle ofsubsidarity in the implementation of the EU member states' regional policies. The involvement of the Flemish Region and the Walloon Region in the activities of EU RC is described and summarized. As a case study, the article deals with Belgium's rotating six months presidency in the EUin 2010 when the country, which was going through a severe political crisis with no federal government in place, was represented by the two regions. The special focus of the article is on the strategic EU program "Europe2020" and its implementation by the regions of Belgium. There is an account of the initiatives undertaken by the Flemish Region and the Walloon Region within the framework of this program outlining the interaction of the two regions. The author provides a comprehensive analysis of the involvement of the Flemish Region and the Walloon Region with various EU institutions describing how each party achieves the promotion of its regional interests. Within this context, it is a noteworthy development that the Flemish Region is participating in the international program "Pact 2020" on energy all by its own. The article features quotations by Flemish and Walloon political figures which serve as an illustration of the prevailing attitudes in the Belgian society to the process of regionalization of their country. The EU structural funds aimed at funding these policies play a crucial role in the maturing of the regional dimension of the activities pursued by the EU institutions. The author finalizes with the review of the EU reasons for placing high importance on the promotion of the development of inter-regional ties between member states.

Connecting Europe Facility in the system of joint financing of the EU critical infrastructure

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (10) ◽  
pp. 61-80
Author(s):  
Robert BALAKIN ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Financial Support ◽  
Critical Infrastructure ◽  
Infrastructure Development ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Cohesion Policy ◽  
Development Fund ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Special Rules ◽  
Financing Infrastructure ◽  
The Eu

The study shows components of financial support for the formation and development of critical infrastructure entities in the European Union. The sustainable functioning of critical infrastructure is aimed at the observance of common Union interests, given the existence of differences in the economic policy in different EU Member States. It was found that the development of Trans-European infrastructure programs is carried out within the framework of the EU Cohesion Policy. The Connecting Europe Facility is a key special tool for funding critical infrastructure in the EU transport, energy and digital services sectors. The Fund is mainly used to finance entities aimed at achieving the goals of the European Green Deal. Recommendations for Ukraine to take into account the experience of financial support regulation for the development of the EU critical infrastructure are substantiated. Based on the experience of the EU, the criteria for determining the priority of the project for financing critical infrastructure are highlighted. Based on the analysis of the formation and use of the Connecting Europe Facility as the main common instrument for financing the EU critical infrastructure, a conclusion was made on the feasibility of establishing a critical infrastructure development fund of Ukraine to support financing of key projects in transport, digital and energy infrastructure. Special rules for determining the eligible costs incurred for financing infrastructure projects at the expense of the critical infrastructure development fund of Ukraine are disclosed.

Unia Rynków Kapitałowych – ewolucja czy rewolucja europejskiego modelu rynku kapitałowego?

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 ◽  
pp. 153-170
Author(s):  
Michał Czykierda
Keyword(s):  
Capital Markets ◽  
Market Integration ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Investment Funds ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Long Run ◽  
Capital Markets Union ◽  
History Of ◽  
Rate Environment ◽  
The Eu

In September 2015, the European Commission announced the first actions of its plan to build a Capital Markets Union in Europe. The undertaken restructuring of the financing model is designed to make a shift in the main channel through which enterprises raise investment funds, from loans to capital, and – as a result – contribute to more dynamic growth in the EU Member States. I describe the key features of the Commission’s plan and discuss the economic rationale behind it. The plan has many strengths but also some weaknesses, such as limited ambition in the supervision and enforcement of securities regulations. Other challenges to the development of European capital markets include the financial transactions tax, the low-interest-rate environment, cultural reasons, and potential political opposition. My paper deals first of all with highlighting the structure of the financial sector in the European Union. It provides a overview of the role of the different financial and no financial sectors in offering capital funds to accomplish the needs of households, companies, governments, etc.. I also describe the history of capital market integration in the EU. The paper also analyses some important aspects of the implementation of the Capital Markets Union, which will be a key step in completing the EU Single Market. I concluded that the integration of the capital markets will be a strong step in supporting economic growth and competitiveness in the EU in the long run.

scholarly journals Identification and Analysis of Structural Fund Support Mitigating the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the EU—A Case Study of Health Unit Funding

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (16) ◽  
pp. 4976
Author(s):  
Karina Bedrunka ◽  
Łukasz Mach ◽  
Anna Kuczuk ◽  
Anna Bohdan
Keyword(s):  
Research Process ◽  
Theoretical Background ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Structural Fund ◽  
Public Intervention ◽  
Development Fund ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Eu

The research carried out describes the provision of COVID-19 funding in individual EU Member States under the ongoing operational programmes of the EU financial perspective in the period 2014–2020. This was followed by identification of the most important areas of support and the amounts allocated to them for Poland and its sixteen voivodeships under the available EU funds from the 2014–2020 perspective. Types and forms of support for health services from the funds of the Regional Operational Programme for the Opolskie Voivodeship 2014–2020 (ROP WO) were analysed in detail. The obtained results showed that Italy, Spain, and Poland provided the largest values of support under the available operational programmes from 2014–2020 to combat the effects of COVID-19. In Poland, funding was mainly provided by the European Regional Development Fund, with the dominant support allocated to entrepreneurship and health care. In the Opolskie voivodeship, which is the case study, the additional financing in the health area concerns: personal protective equipment, equipment, construction works, oxygen installations, and waste water management. In this article, a literature analysis of the issue was conducted prior to the research process, which included theories of post-2007 crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic. The focus is on the theoretical background and research showing the impact of crises from the point of view of social, economic, and ecological dimensions, i.e., from the point of view of sustainable development. It also presents planned and implemented public intervention to offset the negative effects of COVID-19 in 2020 from structural funds in EU countries, including Poland and its 16 voivodeships.

scholarly journals The Assessment of the Effectiveness of the Implementation of Infrastructural Investments within the Regional Operational Programme for the Podkarpackie Province for the years 2007-2013

2019 ◽  
pp. 101-109
Author(s):  
Wojciech Lichota
Keyword(s):  
Forest Fires ◽  
Educational Facilities ◽  
Development Fund ◽  
Broadband Internet ◽  
Structural Funds ◽  
European Regional Development Fund ◽  
Welfare Institutions ◽  
Leisure Facilities ◽  
Learning Schools ◽  
European Regional

This article aims to assess the effects of the implementation of infrastructural investments within the Regional Operational Programme for the Podkarpackie Province for the years 2007-2013. The article was prepared based on the examination method of documents that included the Regional Operational Programme for the Podkarpackie Province for the years 2007-2013, the Annual Report (for 2014) and Periodical Report (for the second half of 2015) on the implementation of the Programme, Monitor Regionalny, The report – the situation at the end of July 2015. The conducted analysis shows that most assumed material project indicators, i.e. output and result indicators, were achieved. As a result of the implementation of the Programme 924 km of regional roads were modernized, 76 km of regional roads were built, 107 units of municipal transport fleet were purchased and modernized, a 58 km broadband network was built, 13 406 entities have gained access to the broadband Internet, 157 units of fire engines were purchased within the projects in the field of the protection against forest fires and other threats, 190 369 persons were connected to the water supply network, 78 343 persons were connected to the sewage system, 59 educational facilities were modernized, 20 lifelong learning schools were supported, 26 health care centres were modernized, 19 social welfare institutions were modernized, and 40 sports and leisure facilities were built. It is worth noting that by the end of July 2015, projects using all available allocation of funds were contracted and the beneficiaries of the Programme were paid more than 94% of the funds within the available allocation, which puts the Podkarpackie Province on the third place on the background of the country. Keywords: EU funds, European funds, structural funds, regional programmes, the European Regional Development Fund, Podkarpackie Province.

scholarly journals The Efficiency of Financing the Regional Smart-Specialization Strategies’ Implementation from the EU Structural Funds

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 241
Author(s):  
Iryna Storonyanska ◽  
Maryana Melnyk ◽  
Iryna Leshchukh ◽  
Svitlana Shchehlyuk ◽  
Tetyana Medynska
Keyword(s):  
Inverse Correlation ◽  
Financial Resources ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Structural Funds ◽  
Regional Basis ◽  
Eu Structural Funds ◽  
Per Capita ◽  
Smart Specialization ◽  
The Empirical Analysis ◽  
The Eu

The paper provides the empirical analysis of the efficiency of financing the regional smart-specialization strategies’ implementation from the structural funds in the context of its impact on the improvement of economic wellbeing and prevention of growing regional misbalances in the EU at the NUTS 2 level. It verifies the inverse correlation between the GRP volumes per capita in the EU Member States and the volumes of funding of the smart-specialization activities. The financial resources of the EU structural funds for the implementation of the regional smart-specialization strategies are established to be distributed on a regional basis and to be showing the signs of the aligning policy, which is a reasonable tactic from the viewpoint of the need to secure the balanced spatial development. However, the paper emphasizes that the less developed regions aren’t able to fully generate powerful innovations that would boost the economic activity in the smart-specialization domains yet.

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