Fact Check: "Cohesion policy aims to reduce economic disparities among EU regions."
What We Know
Cohesion policy is a central element of the European Union's strategy to promote balanced economic growth across its member states. It specifically aims to reduce disparities in development levels among various regions within the EU. According to the European Parliament, the EU's cohesion policy is designed to strengthen economic, social, and territorial cohesion, particularly focusing on less developed regions, rural areas, and regions facing industrial transitions or demographic challenges.
The Joint Research Centre (JRC) emphasizes that cohesion policy plays a crucial role in helping less developed regions catch up with their more developed counterparts. The JRC's findings indicate that investments made under this policy are expected to generate significant returns, with each euro invested projected to yield an additional €1.3 by 2030. This suggests a clear intent and effectiveness in promoting economic convergence across the EU.
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim that cohesion policy aims to reduce economic disparities is robust. The 9th Report on Economic, Social and Territorial Cohesion published by the JRC provides extensive data and analysis demonstrating the positive impacts of cohesion policy on regional development. The report highlights that interventions funded by this policy have led to a measurable decline in regional disparities, as indicated by a 3% reduction in the coefficient of variation of GDP per capita by 2030.
Moreover, the legal framework for cohesion policy, established in Articles 174 to 178 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), explicitly outlines the objective of reducing disparities among regions (source-8). This legal backing adds credibility to the claim, as it shows that the policy is not only a strategic choice but also a mandated goal of the EU.
However, it is important to note that while the policy aims to reduce disparities, the effectiveness can vary significantly across different regions. The JRC's assessment acknowledges that the impact of cohesion policy is positive but varies based on regional characteristics, such as economic structure and governance quality. This nuanced understanding reflects the complexity of regional development and the challenges inherent in achieving uniform progress across diverse areas.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that cohesion policy aims to reduce economic disparities among EU regions is true. The evidence from both the JRC and the European Parliament supports this assertion, highlighting the policy's foundational goal of promoting balanced development and reducing inequalities among regions. The legal framework and empirical data further reinforce the effectiveness of cohesion policy in achieving these objectives.
