EU Cohesion Policy in Practice: Implementation and Impact in the Regions of Sicily and Campania (2014–2020 Programming Period)

This thesis examines whether and how EU cohesion funds in the period 2014-2020 helped to address the development needs of two less developed Italian regions - Sicily and Campania. The introduction defines the theoretical framework of regional development and explains why Southern Italy has consistently lagged behind the EU average. On this basis, the objectives and instruments of cohesion policy are presented, focusing on the ERDF and ESF funds. The practical part first describes the nature of the two regions, then analyses the strategic documents of the European Commission and the regional authorities. Socio-economic indicators (unemployment, GDP per capita, transport infrastructure, etc.) for the period 2014-2024 were monitored using public statistics. Four case studies of ERDF and ESF-funded projects on transport, digital connectivity, health infrastructure and tourism provide qualitative insights. The findings confirm measurable improvements in macroeconomic and structural indicators, such as the expansion of public transport and digital services in rural areas, yet the regions continue to lag behind the Italian and European average. The quality of public administration, the transparency of procurement procedures and the capacity to respond to external shocks, in particular the COVID-19 pandemic, were the most important factors influencing the success of the projects. The thesis concludes by arguing that cohesion funds act as a catalyst to support development rather than as an independent driver of development. Their long-term effect depends on structural reforms, strengthening administrative capacity and a stable investment environment.