The Effect of Changes in EU Funding on Eurosceptic Voting

• In Event: Nothing Compares 2 EU: Support and Skepticism for the EU

Abstract

EU funding has a positive effect on regional economic growth, but studies question its ability to foster self-sustaining prosperity after fiscal transfers fade out. At the same time, studies show that EU funding increases EU support and hinders the electoral success of Eurosceptic parties, but very little is known about what happens to political outcomes once funding is no longer in place. To address this gap, my paper investigates how the restructuring of funding resources impacted the political landscape of European regions between 1989-2013. Especially during the 2007-2013 programming period, largely due to EU enlargement, many regions saw an unprecedented decrease in EU funding, while other regions in the same countries received the same or more fiscal transfers compared to previous years. In this context, I investigate the effect of changes in per-capita EU transfers on the electoral performance of Eurosceptic parties at the regional level. Findings suggest that a reduction in per capita EU funding is associated with an increased vote share for Eurosceptic parties.

Author

• Ioannis Vergioglou, University of St. Gallen