This book addresses the problem of cohesion in the European Union. It examines EU cohesion policies and other policies which significantly reduce the likelihood of cohesion being achieved. It challenges the idea that regional policy is a form of wealth distribution. It argues that cohesion, rather than being an objective in its own right, has been systematically redefined as a tool of competitiveness, and that neoliberal economic priorities have led to the privileging of regional autonomy over cohesion.

Chris Rumford is Visiting Fellow at City University, London.