Policy Press

Is Europe Good for You?

EU Spending and Well-Being

By Lisa Dellmuth

Published

Jun 30, 2021

Page count

202 pages

ISBN

978-1529217469

Dimensions

203 x 127 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Jun 30, 2021

Page count

202 pages

ISBN

978-1529217476

Dimensions

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Jun 30, 2021

Page count

202 pages

ISBN

978-1529217476

Dimensions

Imprint

Bristol University Press
Is Europe Good for You?

Throughout the history of European integration, economic wealth has increased to the benefit of citizens in the European Union (EU). However, inequalities in well-being persist within and between Europe’s regions, undermining the legitimacy of the EU in the eyes of citizens. This book investigates how the EU can use its regional funding programmes in ways that increase citizen well-being.

The book shows that while EU social investments improve labour market performance in rich regions, they exacerbate income inequality in poor regions. Based on this insight, the book presents a theory on the conditions under which EU funding will enhance well-being. Crucially, it argues the case for enhancing the inclusivity of EU growth, which yields the promise of a more legitimate and stronger union.

Lisa Dellmuth is Associate Professor of International Relations in the Department of Economic History and International Relations at Stockholm University.

Foreword - Bo Rothstein

1. Rethinking Regional Development

2. Social Goals in EU Regional Development Policy

3. A Theory of EU Spending and Regional Well-Being

4. Patterns of Regional Well-Being

5. EU Spending Effects on Regional Well-Being

6. Barriers to Improving Regional Well-Being

7. Regional Well-Being, Inclusive Growth and EU Legitimacy

Appendix A: Qualitative and Standardized Interview Data

Appendix B: EU Social and Economic Investments

Appendix C: Measuring Poverty and Inequality

Appendix D: Patterns of Regional Well-Being

Appendix E: Determinants of Regional Well-Being