Has EU regional policy empowered the regions? A study of Spain and the United Kingdom

Abstract:

This article considers the impact of EU regional policy on regional empowerment in Spain and the UK. The central question is whether EU policy requirements have led to a convergence of diverse territorial relations, or whether uniform regulations are being implemented in ways that uphold existing differences within member states. The evidence from Spain and the UK suggests the latter and illustrates how structural fund regulations are being implemented differently in different regions both across and within member states. This study shows that the pre-existing balance of power between the centre and different regions within member states is crucial in explaining variations in the degree of regional empowerment through EU regional policy.