European funding and regional developmental transition in the context of energy transition : the case of Western Macedonia and Megalopolis
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Keywords
European funding ; Energy transition ; Just Transition Mechanism ; EU Cohesion Policy ; Regional development ; Post-lignite transition ; Territorial justice ; Western Macedonia ; MegalopolisAbstract
The present paper focuses on examining how financial tools provided by Europe have contributed to the post-lignite transition of Greek regions highly dependent on coal mining activities. The paper utilizes the method of comparative case studies for two case-studies, namely Western Macedonia (NUTS-2) and the Municipality of Megalopolis (NUTS-3 / LAU 1), aiming at answering the following research questions: (a) to what extent is European financing instrumental in allowing the transition process to occur, (b) to what extent does the Just Transition Mechanism and other cohesion policy instruments address structural and spatial inequalities, and (c) to what extent are governance issues hampering the implementation of a transition process which can be described as successful in being both effective and just. The theoretical underpinnings comprise insights from regional development theory, uneven regional development theories, territorial justice as well as EU cohesion policy and multi-level governance approaches. Methodologically, the research will use predominantly qualitative methods for examining primary sources such as EU and national regulations, TJTPs, development plans, evaluation reports and other relevant data and documents together with selective socio-economic indicators and projects. As to evaluation criteria, the analysis will consider fund absorption rates, early implementation results, economic diversification measures as well as institutional capacity of actors involved in the post-lignite process. The findings show that EU funds have been essential in setting new development trajectories in both case studies; nevertheless, the effects are relatively uneven and rather delayed due to high bureaucracy, weak absorption capacity, mismatch between education and available jobs, low local governance capacity and poor participation of stakeholders. The paper concludes that although financial tools are necessary for ensuring a successful post-lignite exit, they are not sufficient.
Postgraduate Studies Programme
Energy: Strategy, Law & EconomicsDepartment
Σχολή Οικονομικών, Επιχειρηματικών και Διεθνών Σπουδών. Τμήμα Διεθνών και Ευρωπαϊκών ΣπουδώνNumber of pages
114Language
EnglishCollections
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Αναφορά Δημιουργού-Μη Εμπορική Χρήση-Όχι Παράγωγα Έργα 3.0 Ελλάδα
Αναφορά Δημιουργού-Μη Εμπορική Χρήση-Όχι Παράγωγα Έργα 3.0 Ελλάδα