This book examines the changes that European Union (EU) structural policy made to the Greek administrative and political system in the span of two structural periods: Community Support Framework (CSF) 1989–93 and CSF 1994–9. Although much has been written on member states of the EU and their regions, Greece has not received comparable attention from the academic community.¹ This work makes a modest attempt to fill a void in the literature on the EU and on structural policy in particular. On paper, significant changes have taken place in Greece in a relatively short period of time. There is...

Andrikopoulou and Kafkalas (2004, 45–6) argue that Greece underwent four stages towards EU membership that mirrored its stance on regional policy and determined its Europeanization. The period between 1981 and 1985 can be described as a passive intergovernmental or defensive mode, where the dominant stance emphasized pride in the homogenizing supranational EC structures (45). Between 1986 and 1990, Greek officials pursued an active intergovernmental or offensive mode. This second stage witnessed the introduction of the IMPs and the reforms for CSF (1989–93). During the supranational passive or inactive mode (1991–5), Greece was trying to regain its credibility...

Structural policy can be studied in three phases: the budgetary envelope, programming, and policy implementation. Although the first stage of policymaking can offer interesting research, the focus here is on policymaking as it pertains to programming and policy implementation. It is in these two stages that sub-national actors can enter the game and play the greatest role (interviews with Commission officials; Marks 1996).

Because of its complexity, the programming of structural funds demands a set procedure. For the 1989–93 period, programming was fixed for a five-year term and involved three stages: compilation of the Regional Development Plan (RDP); establishment...

Considering past failures to reform the political system, and the distinction between legislative provision and practice, it was important to obtain a deeper understanding of how the system was functioning. This chapter offers an in-depth normative test. If the hypotheses were confirmed, then results would indicate that the legal state (nomimotis) approximates the real state (pragmatikotis), and reforms would not be ʹempty shells.ʹ

Interviews were conducted to determine the extent to which central actors perceived a need for real change and the degree to which ideas of decentralization were becoming entrenched in Greek politics. The comments of interviewees helped reveal...

For the purpose of this work, Europeanization has been conceptualized as a process of adjustment that domestic actors perceive as beneficial or necessary. The fact that Greek actors have questioned assumptions about the centre–periphery nexus, the system of administration, and the practice of clientelism is indicative of Europeanization. Their aim was not a complete metamorphosis, but a reform of the system that it is adapted to the Greek context and culture. This is a pragmatic response to the problems plaguing Greek politics, adopting what works and abandoning what does not. Elements of tradition that are part of Greek history...

As this book is being prepared for publication, we are witnessing the turbulent turn of events in Greece and wider Europe. Measures addressing the fiscal crisis in Greece attempt to correct the problems long plaguing the Greek state.¹ This is Europeanization resulting from the pressures and demands of Euro-zone membership. Indeed, Greece is experiencing a new, aggressive form of Europeanization. It will be interesting to see how all this will be played out; we have the promise of unprecedented research....