Determinants of intra-distribution dynamics in European regions: An empirical assessment of the role of structural intervention

This paper looks at the dynamic of income distribution in European regions and attempts to relate movements within the distribution to the regional structural characteristics and the support of Cohesion Policy (CP). Empirical evidence highlights two main features of regional development. A generally lagging periphery with high growth rates on the one hand and a set of leading regions facing the challenge of global competitiveness on the other. There is evidence that CP support advanced economic development in lagging and peripheral regions, hence contributing to the “convergence objective”. Nonetheless, effective catch-up remains circumscribed to certain very few regions. Contrarily, CP support has failed to stimulate growth potential in leading regions, failing to strengthen EU competitiveness. Evidence presented in this paper provides useful insights for the current debate about the reshaping of EU cohesion policy toward a more place-based approach.