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Forging a sustainable future together. Cohesion Policy at its defining moment

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  • Andres Rodriguez-Pose

Abstract

This paper outlines a renewed vision for the EU’s Cohesion Policy amid the growing political uncertainty threatening its very viability. Drawing on the High-Level Group on the Future of Cohesion Policy’s findings, it advocates for a more dynamic, systemic approach emphasising institutional capacity, territorial sensitivity, global links, and performance-based delivery. These are areas where past reforms have underdelivered. It warns against marginalising cohesion in favour of top-down, centralised strategies, arguing it is more than a funding tool. Cohesion Policy is the EU’s most democratic mechanism, fostering trust, participation, and unity. Revitalising it is essential for competitiveness, resilience, and the very future of Europe.

Suggested Citation

  • Andres Rodriguez-Pose, 2025. "Forging a sustainable future together. Cohesion Policy at its defining moment," Papers in Evolutionary Economic Geography (PEEG) 2524, Utrecht University, Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Group Economic Geography, revised Aug 2025.
    • Handle: RePEc:egu:wpaper:2524
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes
    • R58 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Regional Government Analysis - - - Regional Development Planning and Policy
    • O18 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Urban, Rural, Regional, and Transportation Analysis; Housing; Infrastructure
    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior

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