The impact of EU Cohesion Policy on European identity: A comparative analysis of EU regions

This article investigates the role of European Union Cohesion Policy in development identity, drawing on an original and representative survey 17 regions across 12 member states. We advance a theoretical model which distinguishes cognitive, instrumental communicative drivers identity formation. Contrary to existing scholarship, we find that EU does contribute identity. Citizens perceive benefits for themselves their region's from are more likely develop also awareness Fund exposure publicity funded projects is positively correlated with However, while contributes citizens’ self-categorization as European, it not associate emotional attachment Europe. The study has important implications understanding formation communicating regional policy.