UNIVERSITY OF RUSE "ANGEL KANCHEV"
UNION OF SCIENTISTS - RUSE

Proceedings 2025
Faculty of Business and ManagementBook 5.2 · European Studies and International Security

FRI-2G.510-1-ESIS-03

EU COHESION POLICY IN A GEOPOLITICAL CONTEXT: ARGUMENTS FOR CONTINUITY AND CHANGE

Language: BGPages: 17-47

Cite this paper

Svetla Andonova, PhD Student

Angel Kanchev University of Ruse

E-mail: sandonova@uni-ruse.bg

Abstract

The paper answers the question what are the visions of researchers, policy makers and stakeholders on the post-2027 EU cohesion policy (CP) in a context of geopolitical turbulence. The research is focused on the on-going discussion and is based on research papers and policy recommendations published by EU institutions and representatives of beneficiaries. Thematic analysis is used for identification of policy proposals for path dependent continuity and for reforms. The study concludes, that calls for continuity refer mostly to preserving the goal and the role of the policy at the core of European integration. Recommendations for change/reforms dominate, the rational being (1) weaknesses in the governance of the CP;(2) military conflict on the Eastern border of the EU between Russia and Ukraine, uncertainty in the strategic partnership with the USA, strategic dependence on China. Policy recommendations for change range from minimalist demands to demands for a fundamental transformation, the latter being unprecedented in the history of CP. The European Commission has so far proposed a large-scale change of CP. By submitting bold reform proposals for decision-making, the “government“ of EU has considered the geopolitical context to the highest extent and has reacted responsively. The proposed reforms are in sync with the fundamental change that the EU as a whole is facing - to develop as a strategically autonomous entity on the world stage - a situation without precedent in the history of European integration.

Keywords

European Union, Cohesion Policy, Geopolitical Context, Change

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