A new paper has been published in the EPRC 'European Policy Research Paper' series by Anastassios Chardas, based on his PhD research at the University of Sussex.
The paper examines the institutional and policy ramifications of Cohesion policy in Greece, drawing on Europeanisation and implementation theories. It argues that Cohesion policy has contributed to a partial and superficial reorganisation of state institutions and policy orientations. The centralising tendencies of the Greek state and the reluctance to devolve any significant responsibilities to lower levels of government are argued to be the main factors that have impeded more substantial change.
To stimulate more far-reaching institutional effects would require the introduction of several domestic reforms: a reduction in the number of territorial entities (prefectures, local government authorities and regional authorities), accompanying decentralisation of administrative and fiscal competences and reforms to the civil service.
The link to the paper is available here.