European Cohesion Policy

Willem Molle is Professor in Economics of International Integration at Erasmus University, Rotterdam and is Senior Advisor at ECORYS Research and Consultancy, also based in Rotterdam. His work focuses on problems of cohesion and regional development in the framework of European and global integration. He has much practical experience in each of the stages of the policy cycle and has published a great number of books and articles on the subject.

'Molles's book is a very instructive and elegantly written piece of work. It will please the reader, both beginner and specialist, who is looking for a sound analysis of the stages, problems and achievements and perspectives of the European cohesion policy. This is a great example of how academic work can be turned into invaluable material for dissemination in the public policy arena.' - Sandy Dall'erba, Journal of Economic Geography'I think this book deserves a place on the shelves of every graduate student in European Studies and of every EU scholar.' - Florence Bouvet, Sonoma State University

• 1. Introduction Part 1: Assessing the Problems and Identifying their Causes 2. Overall Cohesion; Disparities in Wealth 3. Economic Cohesion; Disparities in Economic Structure 4. Social Cohesion; Disparities in Unemployment and Social Exclusion 5. Territorial Disparities Part 2: Designing a Solution Oriented Intervention System 6. Fundamentals of the Intervention System Part 3: Specifying Objectives and Matching these with Instruments 7. Reaching Objectives by Financial Support 8. Reaching Objectives by Regulation and Coordination Part 4: Implementing Actions and Delivering Results 9. Implementation and Delivery Part 5: Checking Effectiveness and Consistency 10. Evaluation 11. Coherence with other EU Policies Part 6: Drawing Lessons 12. Conclusions and Outlook