John Bachtler was an invited speaker at the inaugural DG Regio - ERSA lecture series, giving a presentation on the long-term achievements of Cohesion policy over the period 1989-2012. The presentation was based on a large research study, undertaken jointly by EPRC and LSE, it examined the relevance, effectiveness and utility of the ERDF and Cohesion Fund in 15 case-study regions throughout the EU15 from the 1989-93 programme period through to the 2007-13 period. The final report of the study is available on the inforegio website. John Bachtler's presentation was complemented by Professor Grzegorz Gorzelak (EUROREG. University of Warsaw) speaking on the effects of accession on growth, investment and cohesion in Central and Eastern Europe; this was based on an FP7 study 'GRINCOH' in which EPRC was also involved and which is published on the GRINCOH website. Professor Daniela Constantina of Bucharest University was a discussant for both papers, initiating a wide-ranging discussion among 70 participants from the European Commission, European Parliament, Committee of the Regions and Permanent Representative missions.
