The European Cohesion Policy as an «Agent of Change». The Institutional Impact of the Regional Operational Programmes in Calabria (2000–2020)

In this contribution we present some findings from a National Research Project (PRIN2017 4BE543) on Regional policies, institutions, and cohesion in the South of Italy, financed by the Italian Ministry of University and Research and carried out between 2020 and 2023 [1]. In particular, we focus on the impact of the ‘regionalisation’ of the European Cohesion Policy, starting in 2000 with the introduction of the ROPs-Regional Operational Programmes for ‘Objective 1’ regions, under the direct responsibility of Regional Governments. Three cycles of regional programming have now been completed (2000–2006, 2007–2013, and 2014–2020) and it is possible to attempt a long-term assessment of their impact. Leaving aside the overall socio-economic impact of EU expenditures, which is the object of a forthcoming publication [2], in this contribution we will focus on the institutional impact of the three ROPs in the region of Calabria, with particular attention to changes in policy making culture, in policy management institutions, as well as in relations among public and private actors.