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EU Cohesion Policy on the Ground: Analyzing Small-Scale Effects Using Satellite Data

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Listed:
  • Julia Bachtrögler-Unger
  • Mathias Dolls
  • Carla Krolage
  • Paul Schüle
  • Hannes Taubenböck
  • Matthias Weigand

Abstract

We present a novel approach for analyzing the effects of EU cohesion policy on local economic activity. For all municipalities in the border area of the Czech Republic, Germany and Poland, we collect project-level data on EU funding in the period between 2007 and 2013. Using night light emission data as a proxy for economic development, we show that the receipt of a higher amount of EU funding is associated with increased economic activity at the municipal level. Our paper demonstrates that remote sensing data can provide an effective way to model local economic development also in Europe, where no comprehensive cross-border data is available at such a spatially granular level.

Suggested Citation

  • Julia Bachtrögler-Unger & Mathias Dolls & Carla Krolage & Paul Schüle & Hannes Taubenböck & Matthias Weigand, 2022. "EU Cohesion Policy on the Ground: Analyzing Small-Scale Effects Using Satellite Data," WIFO Working Papers 653, WIFO.
    • Handle: RePEc:wfo:wpaper:y:2022:i:653
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Lang, Valentin, 2024. "The distributional effects of place-based policies in the EU," ZEW Discussion Papers 24-039, ZEW - Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research.
    2. Michael Peneder & Benjamin Bittschi & Anna Burton & Angela Köppl & Thomas Url, 2023. "Das WIFO-Radar der Wettbewerbsfähigkeit der österreichischen Wirtschaft 2023," WIFO Monatsberichte (monthly reports), WIFO, vol. 96(12), pages 845-856, December.
    3. Ruben Nicolas & Vitezslav Titl & Fredo Schotanus, 2023. "European funds and green public procurement," Working Papers 2310, Utrecht School of Economics.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Regional Development; EU Cohesion Policy; Remote Sensing;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes
    • O18 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Urban, Rural, Regional, and Transportation Analysis; Housing; Infrastructure
    • H54 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Infrastructures

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