EU’s strategic autonomy and regional development objectives : friends or foes?

This paper examines the evolving relationship between EU Cohesion and Industrial Policy, focusing on how the latter's shift towards macro-level missions-such as decarbonisation and strategic autonomy-undermines territorial cohesion and regional convergence. Reviewing the evolution and theoretical foundations of both policies, we show how Industrial Policy's departure from its foundational ideas has created a divergence of previously convergent imperatives. Empirical evidence reveals that mission-oriented initiatives disproportionately benefit advanced regions, potentially reinforcing spatial inequalities. We conclude with policy recommendations to better align strategic objectives with territorial cohesion, ensuring balanced regional development is not sacrificed for broader economic and geopolitical ambitions.