This major new book assesses the role and effectiveness of structural funds in financing the path to integration in the European Union and especially in tackling unemployment.

Structural Funding and Employment in the European Union combines an inter-disciplinary approach with coverage of all the structural funds including the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (Guidance Section) and the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance. Empirical evidence is presented for the effectiveness of these funds and their success in increasing economic growth in certain areas and employment in others.

The book also covers the relationship of these funds with the European Coal and Steel Community, the European Investment Bank and the Cohesion Fund.

Jeffrey Harrop argues that the deepening and widening of the EU requires a stronger regional policy to ensure more effective use of structural funds, yet this remains a contentious area for the EU, member states and regional or local authorities. The author's authoritative and detailed discussion of this key policy issue, as well as his extensive experience of regional and EU policies, will ensure this book's welcome among students, teachers and researchers of European integration.