Cohesion Policy Research Articles

Evaluating the effectiveness of climate change policies and initiatives in the United States: A comprehensive review

Climate change presents profound challenges, demanding effective policies to mitigate its impacts. This paper reviews the effectiveness of climate policies in the United States, analyzing scholarly articles, government reports, and relevant literature. The review covers diverse policies such as greenhouse gas regulations, renewable energy initiatives, energy efficiency programs, and adaptation measures. It assesses their success in reducing carbon emissions, advancing a low-carbon economy, and enhancing resilience to climate impacts. Key findings highlight significant successes, such as the rise in renewable energy due to renewable portfolio standards and reduced emissions from vehicle fuel efficiency standards. State-level initiatives, like carbon pricing and renewable energy targets, also show promising outcomes. However, the review identifies substantial challenges, including political and economic obstacles, inconsistent policies across states, and the need for better federal-state-local collaboration. Additionally, disparities in policy benefits, with marginalized communities facing greater burdens and limited access to renewable resources, are significant concerns. To enhance the effectiveness of climate policies, the study recommends fostering coherent policies across all government levels, promoting equitable and inclusive climate solutions, raising public awareness, and supporting innovation in clean technologies. This comprehensive review provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to develop strategies that effectively address climate change, promote sustainability, and ensure a fair transition to a low-carbon future.

Europe vs Hong Kong partnership agreements: reversing trends

The comparison between EU cohesion policies on public works as a common good and Hong Kong’s policies on public-private participation to preserve and revitalise architectural heritage highlights cultural and operational differences. While Europe often adopts an inclusive approach, involving the communities mainly in the valorisation of public spaces, Hong Kong implements models more focused on public-private partnership to preserve the public real estate. Thus, the adaptive reuse of public works at the two different scales transforms public works into catalysts of prosperity for the community by preserving historical memory, but has a different impact on shared value generation, social cohesion enhancement, sustainable development promotion, and collective identity valorisation. The contribution analyses the two models (centrifugal and centripetal), focusing on objectives and implementation tools.

3.E. Scientific session: Environmental Health Tracking Systems: a tool for planetary health

Abstract Planetary health offers a good framework for better understanding the interconnection between human health and environmental changes, promoting effective cross-sector actions and partnerships, and ensuring policy coherence. Effective implementation of this conceptual framework requires monitoring and reporting on indicators relevant to planetary health that capture the scope, spatial and temporal scales of changes in natural systems that affect human health and well-being. An approach in that sense are the environmental public health tracking systems (EPHT), which imply the ongoing collection, integration, analysis, and interpretation of data at the same spatiotemporal scale about environmental hazards, and related human exposure and health effects, maintaining appropriate data protection measures. It aims to provide public-health decision makers with timely, accurate and systematic data for quantifying health impacts related to environmental factors. EPHT system are proposed as an essential tool for designing and monitoring policies and actions that prevent and reduce environmental health burdens (EHB) efficiently and cost-effectively, and as an alerting system against present and future climatic and health crisis. Pursuing such goals requires the use of health information systems that enable the monitoring and assessing of environmental health in multiple dimensions, considering specificities across different geographical and cultural settings. EPHT system requires defining a rationale on how to select the dimensions and indicators to be included. Common challenges for defining those indicators are related to the availability of data recording, data standardization, and the linkage, integration and sharing of databases. In parallel, it is also important to define a decision aiding tools in which evidence and data are understandable and inform about the extent to which specific policy goals are attained, tailoring such tools to the specific settings. Present session attends to answers to those challenges by sharing experiences from different contexts and countries Key messages • EPHT systems represent an effective tool for progressing in achieving planetary health goals and as a surveillance alerting system for future health crisis. • Adjusting EH data quality recording and analysis in EPHT systems is essential for improving resources assignment, and the effectiveness of healthy policies in reducing EHB.

Evaluation of food pattern behaviours following nutritional education for health professionals

Abstract Background The “Work Programme - UN Decade of action on nutrition 2016-2025” highlights the importance of implementing Recommendation 19 of the Second International Conference on Nutrition of FAO and WHO related to nutrition education interventions (NEI) for health professionals (HP), in order to develop nutritional skills based on national dietary guidelines and coherent policies relating to food. The Local Health Agency integrated with Trieste University (ASUGI), since 2009, has performed 25 NEI with the formation of 910 HP. Post pandemic, the content of ASUGI’s last 5 NEI, programmed by the prevention plan of the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, was aligned with the principles of the European Farm to Fork Strategy linked to Sustainable Healthy Diets (SHD). Objectives The objectives of the training programme (TP), approved for Continuing Medical Education, was to change and evaluate food pattern behaviour (FPB) of HP (n = 200) to adhere to the SHD. TP was characterized by a systemic view on complex interconnections between nutritional and sensorial food value, sustainability of food chain systems, evolution of urban food environments, as contexts into which SHD choices can be applied. The 2 days training, spread over 14 hours with 40 participants, concluded with interactive work and experiences to applied knowledge and beginning to make informed healthy dietary choices in practice. Results 6 months after the conclusion of TP it was reported that the percentage of HP who consumed the recommended portions of fruits and vegetables had increased from 62% to 70% and from 28% to 35% respectively, while those who consumed no cured meats, red meats or legumes, changed from 24% to 35%, from 19% to 25%, from 6% to 3% respectively. Conclusions The evaluation of the TP systemic structure has shown its effectiveness in improving some healthy FPB of HP and the importance of applying a continuous improvement process of the program to better adhere to the whole SHD. Key messages • The systemic and integrated structure of nutritional education intervention programs for health professionals contributes to improving their healthy food pattern behaviour. • The relationships between complex policies of food systems and the 17 SDGs included in the training programs on nutrition education are useful for promoting adherence to healthy and sustainable diets.

Problematizing street vending: The uncanniness of a disembodied urban policy

ABSTRACT Street vending is an important source of livelihood for many urban dwellers in Africa but remains a challenge for urban policy and planning. This paper uses Ghana as a case study to examine how street vending is treated in urban policy frameworks. We use qualitative content analysis to critically review four major urban policies that shape the planning, development, and management of Ghanaian cities. Our findings reveal a misalignment of local urban policies with national policy on the regulation of street vending. The regulation of street vending is unclear, contradictory, and ineffective, failing to provide a clear policy direction and adequate planning tools for integrating street vending into urban spaces. We argue that these policy inconsistencies persist due to power imbalances and governance challenges, with local authorities maintaining ambiguous policies that benefit powerful stakeholders while keeping street vendors in a state of insecurity. We call for more coherent and inclusive policies that recognize the socioeconomic value of street vending and foster more inclusive urban spaces. We also highlight the need for reformed urban governance that empowers marginalized voices and builds cross-scale alliances to address the complexities of urban informality and support the informal economy.

Cross-fertilisation between spatial planning and territorial cohesion: lessons from the Czech Republic

ABSTRACT This paper contributes to the literature on the territorial dimension of EU Cohesion Policy and spatial planning in EU Member States. It offers a perspective on these debates by focusing on the case study of the Czech Republic which exemplifies the group of countries being the main beneficiaries of Cohesion Policy. Building on interviews, document analyses and interactive workshops, the barriers and potentials for cross-fertilisation between Cohesion Policy and spatial planning are identified. Upon this background, concrete policies are recommended. Therefore, the paper goes a step further by explaining why the problem occurs and what can be done about it.

Strengthening implementation of integrated care for small and nutritionally at-risk infants under six months and their mothers: Pre-trial feasibility study.

An integrated care pathway to manage small and nutritionally at-risk infants under 6 months (u6m) and their mothers (MAMI Care Pathway) is consistent with 2023 WHO malnutrition guidelines and is being tested in a randomised controlled trial (RCT) in Ethiopia. To optimise trial implementation, we investigated contextual fit with key local stakeholders. We used scenario-based interviews with 17 health workers and four district managers to explore perceived feasibility. Eighteen policymakers were also surveyed to explore policy coherence, demand, acceptability, evidence needs, opportunities and risks. The Bowen feasibility framework and an access to health care framework were adapted and applied. Health workers perceived the MAMI Care Pathway as feasible to implement with support to access services and provide care. The approach is acceptable, given consistency with national policies, local protocols and potential to improve routine care quality. Demand for more comprehensive, preventive and person-centred outpatient care was driven by concerns about unmet, hidden and costly care burden for health services and families. Inpatient care only for severe wasting treatment is inaccessible and unacceptable. Support for routine and expanded components, especially maternal mental health, is needed for successful implementation. Wider contextual factors may affect implementation fidelity and strength. Policymakers cautiously welcomed the approach, which resonates with national commitments, policies and plans but need evidence on how it can work within varied, complex contexts without further system overstretch. A responsive, pragmatic randomised controlled trial will generate the most useful evidence for policymakers. Findings have informed trial preparation and implementation, including a realist evaluation to contextualise outcomes.

The Clash of the Policies: The Joint Effect of EU Cohesion Policy and Common Agricultural Policy on the Public Support for European Integration

AbstractA vital element of the European Union (EU) political system is the idea of further European integration. Whilst most existing works investigate the effects of the Cohesion Policy (CP), only a handful of studies consider the effects of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) on citizens' support for European integration. In this contribution, I argue that these two largest EU redistribution policies neutralise each other in their effects on the citizens' support for European integration: the CP improves public support due to its positively perceived redistributive nature and positive externalities, whilst the CAP decreases public support due to due to a limited target audience, somewhat elitarian distribution of resources and bureaucratic complexities. Using regional‐level CP and CAP data for 2017 and Eurobarometer surveys for 2018 and 2019, the empirical findings of multilevel regressions show that the CAP counteracts the positive effects of the CP on citizens' support for further European integration. The findings are robust to including a wide range of control variables, sample size change and alternative specifications of key independent variables. These findings also hint that policy evaluations should not disregard the differences between various policy instruments.

Regions and the European Union in times of crisis: A decline of the regional interest?

Abstract The article examines the evolving role of regions in the EU integration process, particularly in light of recent crises, such as the euro and COVID-19 crises. Historically, EU regional studies have emphasized the importance of regions in EU identity and integration, highlighting their role in regional and cohesion policies as key to a multilevel governance system. However, the euro crisis marked a significant shift, as the European Union’s response—focusing on fiscal discipline—curtailed regions’ budgetary autonomy, especially in Southern Europe. In contrast, the COVID-19 crisis prompted a different approach, with the EU relaxing fiscal controls and increasing public expenditure through initiatives like the Recovery Plan for Europe. Despite these measures, the article argues that state interests continue to dominate, sidelining regional voices in the new institutional structures. The article focuses on two critical aspects: the formal participation of regions in EU governance, particularly in the Economic and Monetary Union and the new pandemic-related frameworks, and the impact of these crises on EU regional policy. The findings suggest a decline in regional influence both in institutional participation and in regional policy resources, marking a regression from pre-crisis trends. While the article does not cover a broader multipolicy analysis or the national-level role of regions, it indicates that the post-crisis era has been challenging for regions in maintaining their relevance and influence within the EU framework. The article thus contributes to the discourse on whether the European Union’s interest in regions has diminished, signaling a potential shift in the balance of power within the EU integration process.

The eroding power of anti-immigrant attitudes for social cohesion in Singapore: more myth than fact?

This paper analyses the impact of anti-immigrant attitudes on social cohesion in Singapore. The OLS regression models show that anti-immigrant attitudes have a negative influence on social cohesion in all analyses, but this influence is weak and falls behind the ambiguous influence of patriotism. In some of the data, there is a significant difference in social cohesion between the centre and the peripheral districts of Singapore, which can only be attributed to a small extent to composition effects. The results of the analyses thus show that the partially state-led measures for social cohesion in a post-colonial society are indeed effective. However, the multicultural Singaporean society obviously also reacts to cohesion policy measures in a group-specific manner. It is noticeable that social cohesion and an open culture for newcomers cannot be thought of separately. These policies should therefore focus even more strongly than before on social cohesion as societal cohesion.

Aligning Greece’s Regulatory Governance With International Transformative Principles and Objectives: The Case of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Abstract The article highlights the importance that the international dimension of the regulatory context of draft legislation acquires for the drafting of effective regulation. It attempts to demonstrate the added value that the integrated incorporation of fundamental regulatory principles and objectives derived from influential global regulatory texts enjoying full acceptance, like the UN Resolution on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, brings to a country’s regulatory governance. From an empirical perspective, the article focuses on a thorough analysis of the degree to which Greece’s law-making process is interconnected and aligned with core regulatory principles of the 2030 Agenda, such as the principle of policy coherence, the evidence-based principle, and the principle of inclusion. It examines the key instruments, procedures, and ways in which these principles are appropriately mainstreamed into the Greek legislative process and the institutional and policy framework of the Government on which its legislative interventions are founded. As a case study, the alignment and coherence of the provisions of a specific law pertaining to tourism development with the overarching regulatory principles of the UN 2030 Agenda are examined. Τhe concluding part presents some proposals that could contribute to improving the way the SDGs are effectively mainstreamed into Greece’s legislative process.

Barriers to obtaining cohesion policy funds from the perspective of municipalities that received the least funding under the 2014–2020 budget period

Cohesion policy is one of the most important European Union’s policy.The lack of cohesion between states and regions would not only result in less-than-optimum use of the endogenic potential of the EU, but it might also threaten the existence of the common market, and thus, the whole European integration. This problem has become particularly evident after the enlargement of the European Union by 10 new Member States in 2004. It is therefore justified to study the effectiveness of this policy and the barriers that accompany it. The aim of the study was a qualitative analysis of problems in obtaining funding by communes that received the least EU funds in the 2014–2020 financial framework. The study was conducted using the CAWI method. The text presents and discusses the results of the study, which allowed, among others, to confirm the still persistent problem with generating own contribution for most local government units.

Geospatial Mapping and Meteorological Flood Risk Assessment: A Global Research Trend Analysis.

Flooding is a global threat causing significant economic and environmental damage, necessitating a policy response and collaborative strategy. This study assessed global research trends and advances in geospatial and meteorological flood risk assessment (G_MFRA), considering the ongoing debate on flood risk management and adaptation strategies. A total of 1872 original articles were downloaded in BibTex format using the Web of Science (WOS) and Scopus databases to retrieve G_MFRA studies published from 1985 to 2023. The annual growth rate of 15.48% implies that the field of G_MFRA has been increasing over time during the study period. The analysis of global trends in flood risk research and practice highlights the key themes, methodologies, and emerging directions. There exists a notable gap in data and methodologies for flood risk assessment studies between developed and developing countries, particularly in Africa and South America, highlighting the urgency of coordinated research efforts and cohesive policy actions. The challenges identified in the body of extant literature include technical expertise, complex communication networks, and resource constraints associated with the application gaps of the study methodologies. This study advocates for a holistic research approach to flood disaster management through ecosystem-based adaptation that underpins the Sustainable Development Goals to develop innovative flood techniques and models with the potential to influence global decision-making in the G_MFRA domain. Addressing these global challenges requires a networked partnership between the research community, institutions, and countries.

Measuring achievements: Can cohesion policy programmes effectively monitor their performance?

The paper investigates the ability of Cohesion Policy programmes to define accurate policy outputs and to reliably monitor their own performance through accurate indicators. Specifically, the analysis explores the extent to which indicators and output targets set by ERDF programmes for monitoring and evaluation purposes are revised over time, seeking to identify specific patterns related to different areas such as spending categories, typology of regions, etc. Our findings highlight significant challenges faced by programmes in establishing realistic targets, as frequent and substantial changes are introduced to a vast majority of them. However, we also observe that only a small proportion of indicators is modified over time, suggesting relative stability in the overall objectives of programmes. The paper provides useful evidence for the ongoing debate on whether adopting a fully-performance based model, where access to funds is contingent upon achieving results/outputs, would enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of Cohesion Policy.

Policy coherence for ecosystem-based management: Implementing EU water and marine policies in the Archipelago Sea

The European Union (EU) Water Framework Directive (WFD) and Marine Strategic Framework Directive (MSFD) call for member states to achieve the good environmental status of coastal waters and marine areas and to create ecosystem-based management plans that cover individual sectors. The Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission (HELCOM) has listed the Archipelago Sea as an environmental hotspot in the Baltic Sea due to its vulnerability to the impacts of eutrophication. Agricultural runoff is the main source of excess nutrient loading, although aquaculture, tourism, wastewater treatment and internal loading also contribute. In this paper, we focus on the horizontal and vertical policy coherence in the Archipelago Sea region. The research data consist of policy documents and 11 thematic interviews. This paper aims to reveal how European water and marine policies are implemented in the Archipelago Sea and to identify the synergies and coherence challenges exist between policy sectors of agriculture, aquaculture and offshore wind. Evidence from the Archipelago Sea case study shows that a lack of coherence between sectoral policies can create challenges for ecosystem-based management. Moreover, the coherence and synergies in implementing regional and EU marine policy frameworks at the national and local levels can guide sectoral decisions towards strengthening of marine resilience and biodiversity.

Étude capacité théranostique 2023–2024 – Modélisation sur la base de la RIV-PSMA. Radiothérapie interne vectorisée (RIV), une approche théranostique à laquelle le patient doit avoir accès. Partie II : analyse approfondie

This in-depth analysis highlights the issues and perspectives regarding the deployment and optimization of vectorized internal radiotherapy (VIR), based on the VIR-PSMA model, which is the first theranostic modality that changes the scale of clinical management in nuclear medicine. It made it possible to confirm a characterization of health establishments based on their experience and their ability to integrate this new treatment modality into their care offering. Here are 8 key points and recommendations highlighted in the following pages: 1. Current and future reception capacity: “experienced” and “initiated” establishments have the greatest short-term reception capacity, while “medium-term future” and “long-term future” establishments will come, in the medium and long term respectively, strengthen the provision of care. They will be able to strengthen the healthcare offer and the territorial network if the award of a B rating allows them to do so. 2. Discrepancy between capacity and need: a gap is already observed between the number of patients who can be treated and the real needs of patients eligible for VIR-PSMA, even though capacity projections are voluntarily restricted to “experienced” and “initiated” services only (the “future” services in the medium and long term are not to date uniform in obtaining the necessary authorizations). This gap between capacity and need can be considered initially by optimizing the use of existing resources (in particular thanks to available land capacity), which remains mainly limited by the shortage of professionals. Secondly, the granting of authorizations to “future” services will make it possible to complete the system, and in particular to promote the regional distribution of care provision which shows disparities that could be sources of inequitable access to care in France. 3. Clinical pathway and harmonization of practices: the clinical pathway for patients benefiting from a VIR requires harmonization of practices and the making of recommendations by the SFMN (from the assessment of eligibility to post-dose monitoring, including the organization of treatments and the reception of patients). 4. Training and recruitment needs: the anticipated growth in demand for VIR requires strengthening teams through the recruitment of all staff involved in the patient's journey, as well as the creation of cooperation protocols between all health professionals by strengthening the initial and continuing training of all professionals involved. 5. Investments and adaptation of infrastructure: significant investments in specialized infrastructure and in the upgrading of “up-and-coming” establishments are necessary to support the increase in VIR-related activity. 6. Define a valuation model allowing these care activities to be sustained while meeting specific constraints in terms of operation, infrastructure, and regulations. 7. Role of regional health agencies (ARS): the ARS play a crucial role in coordinating the deployment of the VIR, requiring adaptation of the offer to local needs and a coherent national policy to face the challenges, particularly in the awarding of B grades, but also by ensuring that the teams of professionals are sufficient and trained and that the service meets logistical and security requirements. 8. Short, medium and long term strategies: to respond to the anticipated saturation of reception capacities, strategic actions are necessary in the short-term (less than 2 years), in the medium-term (less than 5 years), and long-term (more than 5 years), including the structuring of the organization, the expansion of recruitment, the harmonization of practices, and the strengthening of reception capacities.

Status of Policy Coherence and Coordination for Enhanced Multisectoral Nutrition Programming in Kenya

Status of Policy Coherence and Coordination for Enhanced Multisectoral Nutrition Programming in Kenya

Right to Food and Sustainable Food Systems in Nepal: Legal Frameworks, Achievements, and Challenges

Food insecurity remains a persistent challenge in Nepal. The right to food is a fundamental human right recognized in various international conventions and national legal frameworks. The Right to Food and Food Sovereignty Regulation was drafted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Nepal, and approved by the Council of Ministers in March 2024. The introduction of legal frameworks to ensure food security and their effective implementation is one of the key action tracks identified in Nepal’s National Food System Transformation Pathway. However, several challenges hinder the effective implementation of this regulation, including the availability of financial resources, technical manpower, the establishment of fair price shops, and the technical capacity of the implementing agency. Additionally, policy coherence across government tiers, the interests of external development partners, and certain cultural factors pose significant obstacles to the successful implementation of the regulation's provisions. A comprehensive approach is required, combining legal reforms, economic support, and social initiatives, to transform the right to food from a theoretical concept into a tangible reality for all Nepali citizens. This paper highlights the key provisions, the development process of the regulation, the roles of key stakeholders, and the challenges in its effective implementation. Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 12(3): 115-125.

Social entrepreneurial ecosystems in Euroregions

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to extend the knowledge of social entrepreneurial ecosystems and test their effect on social entrepreneurial activity in a cross-border context. Design/methodology/approach The current research used the fuzzy set Qualitative Comparative Analysis method on a sample of 4,357 cross-border cooperation (CBC) projects implemented between 2014 and 2020, spread over 40 Euroregions. Findings Single ecosystem elements can be sufficient conditions but with a limited effect on cross-border social entrepreneurship. Configurations of ecosystem elements can be necessary conditions with synergetic effects. A geographical pattern was identified in the spread of configurations across Europe. Research limitations/implications Geographical, quantitative and project data constraints exist. The authors call for research into synergies between ecosystem elements in cross-border contexts and ecosystem patterns across Europe. Practical implications Policymakers, their cross-border counterparts and Euroregions could coordinate their efforts to improve ecosystems’ impact and involve social entrepreneurs to scale impact in neighboring countries. Social implications Involving social entrepreneurs in CBC projects will show how social impact in one country can be valuable for solving issues in the neighboring country. This will increase the valuation of innovative solutions, create opportunities for scaling social impact and contribute to the European (EU) Cohesion Policy. Originality/value The study uses a novel approach by investigating the effect of social entrepreneurial ecosystems in Euroregions on social entrepreneurial activity in a cross-border context. The study shows that the impact of social entrepreneurial ecosystems does not stop at the country’s borders.

Exploring the urban-rural dichotomies in post-pandemic migration intention: Empirical evidence from Europe

Since the beginning of the 21st century, we have been living in the ‘urban century’, characterised by a rise in the number of cities and mega-cities and a structural population increase in most cities, to the detriment of rural areas. Given the declining interest in rurality, the aims and scope of this paper are to map out the complex force field of rurality versus urbanity, and explore if the COVID pandemic has become a ‘game changer’ that thus may swift the existing patterns. Relying on multilevel modelling, to also account for between-country differences, and using Eurobarometer data on post-pandemic migration intention in both rural and urban areas, our results do not find support for a major post-covid urban exodus. Younger individuals from large cities are indeed more willing to leave for rural areas when they are convinced that they can play an active role in the local decision-making process. Teleworking, as well as EU concrete actions for addressing environmental issues, may also drive more migration toward rural areas. On the other hand, poor access to health services may push individuals towards urban areas. In policy terms, our findings advocate for improving access to public services in rural areas. In addition, the study reinforces the role of the Cohesion Policy to urge the twin transition, as facilitating teleworking and strengthening the environmental commitment were shown to make rural areas more appealing.