Abstract
This article examines the role and use of discourse as a means of affecting EU cohesion policy reform. A discursive shift is traced to a place-based narrative, which sought to re-legitimize and reconnect the policy with its foundational principles during the post-2013 policy review. It is argued that the impact of the narrative on the Commission's proposals has been only partially effective owing to deep-rooted ideational, interest-driven and organizational resistance and tensions relating to the policy's objectives, governance and relationship with Europe 2020. Implications are drawn for ideational analysis in the EU.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 639-659 |
Number of pages | 21 |
Journal | Journal of European Public Policy |
Volume | 20 |
Issue number | 5 |
Early online date | 12 Nov 2012 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2013 |
Keywords
- cohesion policy
- place-based narrative
- territorial discourse