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From Lisbonisation to Hyper-Lisbonisation: the long goodbye to EU Cohesion Policy’s original goals

Author

Listed:
  • Francesco Molica

    (ULB - Université libre de Bruxelles = Free University of Brussels)

  • Alessandra de Renzis

    (GSSI - Gran Sasso Science Institute)

  • Sebastien Bourdin

    (Métis Lab EM Normandie - EM Normandie - École de Management de Normandie = EM Normandie Business School)

Abstract

The paper examines the impact of major historical events, crises and theoretical models on the governance and objectives of Cohesion Policy over 25 years. It proposes a periodisation in three stages: Lisbonisation (2000–14), Territorialisation (2014–20) and Hyper-Lisbonisation (2020–present). In the first phase, Cohesion Policy aligned more closely with European Union-wide competitiveness goals. The Territorialisation phase sought to reconcile this course with place-based, bottom-up approaches. The Hyper-Lisbonisation stage, driven by recent crises, accentuates the focus on competitiveness through more (nationally) centralised and flexible governance to meet short-term priorities. The paper finds that across these phases, the policy has diverged from its original objectives.

Suggested Citation

  • Francesco Molica & Alessandra de Renzis & Sebastien Bourdin, 2025. "From Lisbonisation to Hyper-Lisbonisation: the long goodbye to EU Cohesion Policy’s original goals," Post-Print hal-05376788, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05376788
    DOI: 10.1080/00343404.2025.2540361
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://normandie-univ.hal.science/hal-05376788v1
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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