The Impact of Member State Policies on Cohesion

Disparities between regions are affected by a wide range of factors that contribute to the performance of economies and to the distribution of income among groups in society. Both Community and Member State policies play a role in these processes, and consequently have an impact on cohesion. This report presents the findings of a study designed to assess the main categories of Member State policies that bear on cohesion. It was conducted by a multinational team comprising partners in 14 of the 15 Member States of the EU before its enlargement to 25 Members on the 1st of May 2004. The study findings contributed to the 3rd Cohesion Report adopted by the Commission in February 2004. The terms of reference were 'to clarify to what extent, and how, national policies reduce economic and social disparities, and enhance cohesion'.

European Commission: DG Regional Policy: Studies: Preparatory studies for the third cohesion report (2004) http://ec.europa.eu/comm/regional_policy/sources/docgener/studies/study_en.htm

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