The Social Dimension of Cohesion Policy

  • Javier Bilbao Ubillos University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.18543/ced-58-2018pp69-97
Keywords: cohesion policy, EU social dimensión, Europe 2020 Strategy, Territorial balance

Abstract

The paper assesses the contribution of the cohesion policy to the social dimension of the EU, based on its development over time both from a conceptual viewpoint and in a changing reference context as the structural heterogeneity of the Union increased with successive expansions. After examining how cohesion was treated in primary legislation and in Community budgets, the paper sets out the indicators available concerning the impact of successive Community programmes and strategies on cohesion, seeking to estimate its most significant attainments in terms of the social dimension of the EU. It is concluded that in spite of certain tangible achievements that have improved the life and work of European citizens, cohesion policy takes an approach focused on territories, seeking to reduce disparities between regions and legitimise the Union in the territories that lag furthest behind. It is in any event a policy that is highly conditioned by limited resources and by requirements for institutional quality and eligibility in receiving areas.

Received: 27 November 2017
Accepted: 09 January 2018
Published online: 28 March 2018

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Author Biography

Javier Bilbao Ubillos, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)
Javier Bilbao Ubillos has a degree in Economics and Business Administration (UPV / EHU) and in Law (University of Deusto) and is a Doctor in Economics (UPV / EHU). He completed his studies at the European University Institute (Florence). He is currently Professor of Applied Economics in the University of the Basque Country. His lines of research include globalization and European integration, welfare state, privatization and public finance, industrial and regional economy, and innovation. He has more than 60 articles in journals such as European Urban and Regional Studies, Economic and Political Weekly, Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Journal of Political Studies, Spanish Public Finance, International Journal of Social Welfare, International Journal Of Economic Management, Economic Development Quarterly, Journal of Economic Policy Reform, Tijdschrift voor economische en sociale geografie, Industrial Economics, ICE, Public Money & Management, Management and Public Policy, The Latin Americanist, Sustainable Development, Social Indicators Research, European Review or Transportation Letters. He is also the author or co-author of 22 books published by Routledge, University of Nevada, Aranzadi- Thomson, Civitas, Delta, Síntesis, Dykinson, Comares or Plaza y Valdés.
Published
2018-03-28
How to Cite
Bilbao Ubillos, Javier. 2018. “The Social Dimension of Cohesion Policy”. Deusto Journal of European Studies, no. 58 (March), 69-97. https://doi.org/10.18543/ced-58-2018pp69-97.
Issue
No. 58 (2018): Política de cohesión y fondos estructurales de la Unión Europea: retos y perspectivas para el período post-2020
Section
Monographic Articles

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