A book by Alekos Kritikos on the evolution of European integration
European cohesion policy is not merely a funding instrument of the European Union. It is one of the key mechanisms through which Europe has sought, over time, to bridge development disparities, strengthen regional convergence and give practical substance to the idea of European integration.
This is the subject of Alekos Kritikos’ book, titled “The Cohesion Policy of the European Union – Its Evolution during the Major Milestones of European Integration”, which is included among the books by members and collaborators of Komvos.
Alekos Kritikos, Special Advisor at ELIAMEP, former senior official at the European Commission, former Secretary General of the Ministries of Interior and Development, former Regional Governor of Attica and Partner of Komvos, approaches cohesion policy not only as an institutional and economic subject, but also as a lasting component of Europe’s own trajectory.
From the EEC to contemporary European crises
The book traces the evolution of European cohesion policy from the establishment of the EEC to the period of the coronavirus crisis. Through this journey, it examines how cohesion policy was connected with the major phases of European integration, successive enlargements, institutional reforms and the critical decisions that shaped the course of the Union.
The author’s approach is particularly significant, as it combines institutional knowledge with personal experience. Alekos Kritikos worked for many years in Brussels, both at the European Commission and at the Permanent Representation of Greece to the European Union, while he has also served in senior positions in the Greek public sector.
Cohesion as a political, developmental and institutional concept
Cohesion policy lies at the heart of the debate on the future of Europe. It concerns not only the allocation of European resources, but also the question of how the regions, societies and economies of the European Union can achieve meaningful convergence without deepening internal disparities.
In this sense, Alekos Kritikos’ book is of particular interest to those engaged with European policy, regional development, European programmes, public administration, economic governance and Greece’s relationship with the European institutions.
At the same time, it offers a broader framework for understanding European integration: not merely as a sequence of treaties and institutional changes, but as a process shaped by political choices, crises, enlargements and development challenges.
A book of particular relevance to Komvos
The presentation of the book in Komvos’ “Members’ Books” section is linked to the organisation’s broader mission: to highlight knowledge, experience and evidence-based thinking in fields where Greece can play a meaningful role.
Cohesion policy, regional development, European governance and the use of European instruments are themes of direct relevance to public debate in Greece. They concern the development of regions, administrative capacity, the financing of reforms, social and territorial convergence, as well as the country’s ability to participate actively in the shaping of European policies.
Alekos Kritikos’ book contributes to this discussion in a systematic, well-documented and useful way for researchers, public administration officials, policymakers, students, and every citizen interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the course of the European Union and Greece’s place within it.
Publication details
Title: The Cohesion Policy of the European Union
Subtitle: Its Evolution during the Major Milestones of European Integration
Author: Alekos Kritikos
Publisher: Epimetro
ISBN: 9786188476271
Pages: 248
Publication date: 20/10/2021
Subject category: Political Science / European Policy / Cohesion Policy
You can find the book here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alekos Kritikos’ book about?
The book examines the evolution of the European Union’s cohesion policy from the establishment of the EEC to contemporary European crises, linking it to the major phases of European integration.
Why is the European Union’s cohesion policy important?
Cohesion policy is a key instrument for reducing regional disparities, strengthening development and deepening European integration.
Who is Alekos Kritikos?
Alekos Kritikos is Special Advisor at ELIAMEP, a former senior official at the European Commission, former Secretary General of the Ministries of Interior and Development, and former Regional Governor of Attica.
