EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network

Second cohesion report

Introduction

The second report on economic and social cohesion in the European Union represents the first analysis of the situation in the present Member States and regions in relation to economic and social cohesion and how this can be expected to change after enlargement.

Description

Since their creation, the Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund have represented the main instruments of social and economic cohesion policy. This is a priority objective of the Union. These instruments are aimed at strengthening the structural factors which determine competitiveness and therefore the growth potential of less advantaged regions.

The Report analyses the changes in cohesion and the factors which contribute to it. The first part of the report describes the situation and trends. The second part examines the manner to which Community policies have contributed to cohesion. The third part gives an overview of the EU budget and the results of the economic and social cohesion policy.

Conclusions

Unemployment in EU urban areas taken together averaged 10.1% in 1999. This is slightly above the EU average (9.2%). The rates vary considerably between Member States and seem to be affected more by national factors than by factors general to cities across the EU. Despite overall improvement, regional differences in labour market performance remain substantial and have increased further in some Member States.
The emphasis on growth and investment explains the importance attached to the principle of additionality. Under this principle Community transfers may not lead to a reduction in the structural expenditure financed by Member States themselves. In other words, EU structural aid must be additional to and supplement national investment. The programmes Urban II, Equal, Interreg III and Leader+ are based on this principle of additionality.

Contact info

European Commission, DG Regional Policy
http://europa.eu.int/comm/regional_policy/index_en.htm

Publication date

30/01/2003

Researcher

European Commission

Second cohesion report (PDF, Eng, 246 KB)

Document type

research

Themes

Urban Policy

Keywords

Economy knowledge & employment, Social inclusion & integration