The integration of the former communist countries of central and eastern Europe into the European Union will create a dilemma for the EU's regional policy. The EU's expenditure on regional policy (which we term its "active" regional policy) was guided by political reactions on deepening and enlarging the EU and not by a rational regional policy strategy. In contrast, the strong EU instrument of subsidies surveillance, developed for competition policy (which we will call its "reactive" regional policy) has been relatively successful in avoiding a national race of regional policy subsidies among the member states. We show that a shift from active regional policy to reactive, competition-oriented regional policies would be a way to handle the challenge of enlargement for the established member states, but at the same time this shift will be difficult for the applicant countries.

The European Union: Dilemmas of Regional Integration is a readable, informative volume for students and instructors of introductory and intermediate courses in international relations and comparative politics. Since the daily activities of the European Union cut across the comparative/IR distinction, the book will prove useful in both courses.Caporaso begins with a detailed chapter that provides readers with important information about the institutions and history of the European Union. In subsequent chapters he examines dilemmas such as the conflict between national sovereignty and the development of regional social policies, the external impact of the European Union (is it open or close, a force for peace or a source of conflict?), and conflicts between democratic openness and accountability on the one hand and expert decisionmaking on the other. Caporaso develops the implications of these dilemmas by place them within broader debates in comparative and international politics. It was named a Choice Outstanding Academic Book of 2001.

This work combines the theory and practice of regional economi policy in Europe. Six main topics are covered as follows: theory of regional economic development and policy; regional policy at the national level; regional disparities in the EU - past and present; impact on the integration on regions; regional policy in the EU 1975-1999; the structural funds 2000-2006 and openness to Eastern European countires. The book also includes an up-to-date bibliography on the topics covered.

Until recently development has been perceived as an uncomplicated and unqualified human value. As the true cost of development in the 'third world' has become apparent, and the benefits difficult to discover, some have argued that the notion of development is itself fundamentally misconceived. Joanne Scott brings this debate into an unusual context - development within the highly 'developed' European Community. She explores the problems experienced by the Community in its attempts to 'develop' the 'lagging' regions, and considers the important role of law in shaping its policy. She examines both the meaning of development and the effects of different definitions. Her underlying thesis is that while development should clearly not be equated with economic growth, a broader and more human definition might promote beneficial change and contribute to the protection of environmental and social diversity within the Community. All who concern themselves with development, agriculture, environment and the future of the European Community will find these arguments stimulating and important.

This book provides an up-to-date assessment of the main processes and dilemmas of regional development and regional policy in the newer European Union Member States in Central and Eastern Europe and neighbouring countries. It highlights the difficulties of balancing the demands within the new Member States for rapid regional growth and development with, firstly, the demands of the European Union overall that restructuring and development should conform to the aims and principles of EU common policies; and, secondly, with budgetary constraints. The book covers a wide range of issues, including global and national challenges to regional convergence and cohesion; regional dynamics, city networks and border issues; the effectiveness of policy responses at national and European levels, including an assessment of policy experiences from outside the new Member States; and likely future developments.

This book provides an over-view of the key developments in the politics of European Union regional policy from the creation of the EEC to the present day. The discussion of 'who decides what and to what effect' in relation to regional policy is part of the contemporary academic debate about the nature of politics and policy-making in the EU. Bache argues that no single theory can explain the complex politics of EU regional policy-making. In particular, current theories pay insufficient attention to the importance of implementation in shaping policy outcomes. The book concludes that the application of different analytical tools at different stages of policy-making provides the fullest picture of the politics of EU regional policy. This title is published in conjunction with UACES, the University Association for Contemporary European Studies. UACES web site can be found at www.uaces.org

This book brings together a rich selection of up-to-date practical experience of EU regional policy from across Europe. It provides different perspectives on the design and operation of regional development strategies under the Structural Funds, from people closely involved in studying, managing or advising on the process at EU, national and regional levels. It therefore offers a more comprehensive and detailed understanding of the structural policies than has been available hitherto. This will prove particularly useful to researchers, practitioners and students interested in European regional policies and processes.

Regional Policy and Planning in Europe explores the ways regional policy and planning systems across Europe have been influenced by: * economic and monetary union * the impending enlargement of the European Union * the devolution of administrative power from central government to regional authorities * the increased importance of environmental and urban issues. Presenting a comprehensive overview of the economic basis of integration, this book examines the evolution of various systems of government, planning and forms of devolution.