Rethinking EU regional policy: the case for radical reform and a new role for real economic areas

This policy paper offers the personal perspectives of a practitioner in EU regional policy. It is written from the perspective of experience of delivery in the United Kingdom. Although the equal validity of other perspectives is fully acknowledged, they are not included here. The paper raises questions about the current function and operation of EU regional policy and about the future. It suggests ways of reforming that policy to make it more relevant and effective in relation to contemporary economic and social developments within and across member states. The article is designed to be accessible for readers without a detailed or technical knowledge of EU regional policy. 1 1. The views expressed in this article do not represent the policy of Newcastle City Council. The paper offers a personal critique of the current framework and proposals for radical reform. The author thanks readers for accepting the article in English.