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Bedingungen für einen Beitrag der EU-Strukturfonds zur realen Konvergenz in Europa

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  • Michael H. Stierle

Abstract

EU structural funds can potentially contribute to real convergence in Europe. However, realising potential depends on several conditions. Starting from theoretical insights and experiences in the old member states, conclusions are drawn (though not exclusively) for the new Member States: First, the scarce resources have to be concentrated spatially, (a) on countries and regions with the highest need, (b) on dynamic regions and (c) on growth centres and existing clusters. Second, a thematic concentration is essential. Here, investment in human resources can be regarded as key to long term growth while an adequate infrastructure endowment is a necessary, but not a sufficient condition for growth. Support for the private sector should be concentrated on the business environment. In contrast, state aid should be very limited. Support for rural development should reflect the declining importance of the agricultural sector and projects with dubious economic impact should be avoided. Third, an effective implementation of structural funds is necessary. Finally: structural funds can only be effective in a solid macro-economic environment with advanced structural reforms and an adequate institutional framework. Consequently, real convergence remains a national responsibility. EU-Strukturfonds haben das Potential, einen Beitrag zur realen Konvergenz in Europa zu leisten, dessen Realisierung aber von Bedingungen abhängt. Ausgehend von theoretischen Überlegungen sowie Erfahrungen der „alten“ Mitgliedsländer werden Schlussfolgerungen (nicht nur) für die neuen Mitglieder gezogen: Erstens müssen die knappen Mittel räumlich konzentriert werden, (a) auf jene Länder und Regionen mit dem größten Aufholbedarf, (b) auf dynamische Regionen und (c) auf Wachstumspole und existierende Cluster. Zweitens ist eine thematische Konzentration erforderlich. Investitionen in Humankapital sind dabei eine Schlüsselgröße für langfristiges Wachstum. Eine ausreichende Infrastrukturausstattung ist dagegen eine notwendige, nicht aber eine hinreichende Bedingung für Wirtschaftswachstum. Wirtschaftsförderungsmaßnahmen sollten auf das wirtschaftliche Umfeld konzentriert sein, während Staatsbeihilfen stark limitiert bleiben sollten. Die Förderung des ländlichen Raums hat die abnehmenden Bedeutung des Agrarsektors in Rechnung zu stellen; Projekte mit unklaren ökonomischen Wirkungen sollten unterbleiben. Drittens ist eine effektive Implementierung der Strukturfonds nötig. Schließlich: Strukturfonds können nur in einem soliden makroökonomischen Umfeld wirksam sein, in dem Strukturreformen vorangetrieben werden und adäquate institutionelle Rahmenbedingungen gegeben sind. Die Erreichung realer Konvergenz bleibt damit eine nationale Verantwortung.

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  • Michael H. Stierle, 2005. "Bedingungen für einen Beitrag der EU-Strukturfonds zur realen Konvergenz in Europa," Vierteljahrshefte zur Wirtschaftsforschung / Quarterly Journal of Economic Research, DIW Berlin, German Institute for Economic Research, vol. 74(1), pages 91-110.
  • Handle: RePEc:diw:diwvjh:74-1-7
    DOI: 10.3790/vjh.74.1.91
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    1. Wallace E. Oates & Wallace E. Oates, 2004. "An Essay on Fiscal Federalism," Chapters, in: Environmental Policy and Fiscal Federalism, chapter 22, pages 384-414, Edward Elgar Publishing.
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