In this thesis I took a closer look at the second largest and most flexible policy field of the EU: Regional Policy. At present, there are debates about the future of EU Regional Policy, closely linked to the current debate about the EU budget for the planning period 2007-2013 for it is this budget that sets the boundaries for the financial resources of EU Regional Policy. I assume that the future of the EU, its acceptance within the community and its legitimacy by the community, is dependent on the outcome of this ongoing debates and the future of regional policy. By analysing the developments and the ongoing debates concerning EU Regional Policy so far I give prospects for the future of the EU in general and EU Regional Policy in particular. The eastern enlargement is highly influencing regional policy and will result in a financial shift from west to east. I used Latvia as a case study to show in what way concrete structures of a post-Soviet state are being influenced and developed.
In order to investigate and do the appropriate research concerning my case study I lived in Riga, the capital and political Walhalla of Latvia, for half a year. By being there and participating in seminars and congresses and by carrying out a project with a main focus to bridge the information gap between local Latvian authorities and the EU, I got a good overview how the different governmental officials, but the “normal people” as well, judge the EU and EU Regional Policy in particular.
I learned that regional policy is extremely subject to the spectators view. The judgement of EU Regional Policy depends on different political, social and moral argumentations. That the angle on how to look at the topic is very different seems obvious: Let’s take a Latvian mayor who is also part-time farmer as an example: Although he is interested in EU support he is barely able to fulfil the administrative and material conditions necessary to be eligible for EU support. His Dutch colleague on the other hand is concerned about the financing of his relatively efficient local administration and he might judge financial support to weaker EU regions as competition. This example shows the different starting points. The decision-making process shows similar disparities. At the moment there is a clear gap between net-contributors and net-beneficiaries within the Union. They have not come to a compromise concerning EU Regional Policy and the budget yet.
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Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Abstract
- Zusammenfassung
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This thesis delves into the future of EU Regional Policy, specifically examining its impact on Latvia. The author investigates the ongoing debates regarding EU Regional Policy, particularly in light of the EU budget for the 2007-2013 planning period. The thesis argues that the future of the EU, its acceptance within the community, and its legitimacy are directly linked to the outcomes of these debates.
- The role and future of EU Regional Policy in the context of the EU budget.
- The impact of the eastern enlargement on EU Regional Policy and its implications for financial transfers.
- The effectiveness of EU Regional Policy in Latvia, focusing on its influence on post-Soviet structures.
- The influence of different political, social, and moral perspectives on the perception and implementation of EU Regional Policy.
- The importance of establishing and strengthening national institutions to effectively manage and distribute EU funds in new member states.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The thesis begins by outlining the importance of EU Regional Policy as a key policy area within the EU. It highlights the current debates surrounding its future, particularly in relation to the EU budget. The author emphasizes the critical role of EU Regional Policy in ensuring the EU's acceptance and legitimacy among its citizens.
The author explores the implications of the eastern enlargement for EU Regional Policy, noting the significant financial shift from west to east. The thesis focuses on Latvia as a case study to examine how EU Regional Policy shapes and influences the post-Soviet structures of the country.
Through a six-month stay in Riga, the capital of Latvia, the author gains firsthand insights into the local perspective on EU Regional Policy. This includes observations on the political, social, and moral values that influence the assessment and implementation of EU policies.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
EU Regional Policy, EU budget, eastern enlargement, Latvia, post-Soviet structures, political, social, and moral perspectives, national institutions, financial transfers, effectiveness of EU Regional Policy.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Chris Breuer (Autor:in), 2004, Does EU Regional Policy have a future and will Latvia be able to benefit from it?, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/32556
