1. Cohesion Funds As Presented by Neil A. Olsen & Rachel L. Kramer (Case Study II)

2. Introduction This presentation is about: This presentation is about: The European Union’s Cohesion Funds The European Union’s Cohesion Funds Questions the presentation will answer: Questions the presentation will answer: What is the Cohesion Funds Policy? What is the Cohesion Funds Policy? Why was it created? Why was it created? Is it working? Is it working?

3. Thesis Statement The Cohesion Funds are not the most effective method to increase the living standards of the European Community. The Cohesion Funds are not the most effective method to increase the living standards of the European Community.

4. Brief Historical Overview: Defining Characteristics Three formally defined priorities: Convergence: support for growth and job creation in the least developed member states and regions Convergence: support for growth and job creation in the least developed member states and regions Competitiveness and employment: designed to help the richer member states deal with economic and social change Competitiveness and employment: designed to help the richer member states deal with economic and social change Territorial co-operation : to stimulate cross- border co-operation in order to find joint solutions to problems Territorial co-operation : to stimulate cross- border co-operation in order to find joint solutions to problems

5. Brief Historical Overview: Timeline of Events The cohesion fund was established under the Maastricht Treaty of 1993. The cohesion fund was established under the Maastricht Treaty of 1993. The EC recognized the Cohesion Fund on May 16, 1994 The EC recognized the Cohesion Fund on May 16, 1994 Duration:1 January 2000 to 31 December 2006 Duration:1 January 2000 to 31 December 2006 1993 1994 2000 2006

6. Brief Historical Overview: Eligibility GNP less than 90% of the Community average GNP less than 90% of the Community average Convergence Program Convergence Program Suspension of funds Suspension of funds

7. Brief Historical Overview: Descriptive Figures

11. Brief Historical Overview: Institutions and Individuals Peter Balázs Peter Balázs Jacques Barrot Jacques Barrot The Member States The Member States The European Commission The European Commission

12. Argumentation for Thesis Statement: The Evidence Misuse of funds Misuse of funds Creating policies Creating policies Rebuilding the infrastructure Rebuilding the infrastructure

13. Argumentation for Thesis Statement: Organizational Diagrams

15. Argumentation for Thesis Statement: Alternative Interpretations Ireland Ireland Revised Cohesion Funds Revised Cohesion Funds

16. Argumentation for Thesis Statement: Overall Analysis Cohesion Funds will not work with the enlargement of the EU unless they are revised. Cohesion Funds will not work with the enlargement of the EU unless they are revised. Mobilization of all resources and all regions. Mobilization of all resources and all regions.

17. Conclusion The cohesion policy should be The cohesion policy should be more targeted more targeted more decentralized more decentralized simpler than it is at present. simpler than it is at present.