Assessing the Impact of EU Financial Support on Regional Convergence: A Systematic Literature Review

The European Union (EU) seeks to reduce regional disparities and foster economic growth through substantial financial support to its member states. However, the effectiveness of this support on regional convergence remains ambiguous. This study employs a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) of 33 articles (2012–2024) to evaluate the impact of EU funding on regional convergence and identify gaps in the literature. Findings indicate that convergence effects are often treated as spillovers or conflated with general economic growth. The review highlights the need for more nuanced analyses of specific instruments, such as the European Social Fund (ESF), particularly regarding their effects on unemployment, education, social inclusion, and public services. Research remains concentrated at the NUTS-2 level, neglecting smaller NUTS-3 regions. Future studies should disaggregate fund assessments, incorporate interaction terms between funds and target areas, and focus on specific regional outcomes to better understand the mechanisms driving convergence beyond aggregate spending effects.