Social and Economic Inequalities in the European Union
The Social and Economic Inequalities in the EU
Western Europe is among the most developed and affluent regions globally. However, areas with significant challenges question this assertion. Inequalities exist worldwide, including within the EU.
Disparities Among Member States and Regions
Differences and inequalities are present both between and within EU member states. Imbalances exist between rural and urban areas within the same region. Even within affluent urban centers, pockets of extreme poverty can be found. These inequalities are examined through two lenses: demographics and sectors of activity, highlighting how they directly or indirectly influence economic disparities in society.
The Demographic Imbalance
The EU has a population density of 114 inhabitants per square kilometer. This varies greatly among member states, with the Netherlands at 375 inhabitants per square kilometer and Finland at only 15.
Within individual states, population density also differs significantly. For example, Madrid in Spain has 620 inhabitants per square kilometer, while Castile-La Mancha has only 21.
Regional disparities are also evident. For instance, the High Ribagorza region has 8.3 inhabitants per square kilometer, while the West Valleys have 1180.
These data illustrate the diverse challenges faced by different areas. Some regions lack sufficient infrastructure to meet the needs of their populations, while others struggle with economic inactivity and inadequate public services, hindering development.
Imbalances in the Sectors of Activity
The economic landscape and various sectors of activity reveal inequalities across EU territories. The EU comprises regions with diverse historical, geographical, and other characteristics, making economic uniformity a challenge.
Some European areas benefit from technological advancements and favorable climatic conditions, enabling productive agriculture. Conversely, other regions face backwardness and harsh climates, making profitable farming and ranching difficult.
The industrial revolution led to the establishment of a consolidated industrial sector (secondary sector) in certain regions. However, this industrialization was not evenly distributed, leaving significant areas with limited industrial activity. Additionally, some traditional industrial centers failed to adapt to new technologies and the changing global economic landscape, resulting in closures and regional decline.
Despite the existence of European communication, transport, trade, and tourism networks, the tertiary sector has not developed uniformly. This has led to disparities in connectivity and economic activity, with some areas enjoying well-developed services while others lag behind.
The Catalan Society in the European Union
Catalonia, historically a border region and a crossroads, has always maintained connections with the rest of Europe.
Catalonia welcomed Spain’s incorporation into the EU, viewing it as a positive step towards removing boundaries and strengthening the region’s position within a supranational structure.
Catalonia and Main Development Axes
Areas of economic and social development are often distributed along development axes. One such axis extends from southern Great Britain to the northern Iberian Peninsula, with Frankfurt as its central hub. Two branches extend from this axis: one towards central Italy and the other towards the Mediterranean coast, encompassing southern France, Catalonia, and Valencia. This shift in Europe’s center of gravity towards the Mediterranean basin has enhanced Catalonia’s prominence within the EU.
The region spanning from Italy to Valencia and Murcia is recognized as a Mediterranean and European area with significant development potential. Within this space, Catalonia occupies a privileged position due to its geographical, economic, social, and cultural attributes, which contribute to its strong growth potential.
Catalonia’s population density is comparable to that of some European countries, such as Belgium.
Socioeconomic indicators place Catalonia in an intermediary position between the more developed central regions and the disadvantaged peripheral areas of Europe.
It is crucial for Catalan society to leverage European regional policy resources and gain greater influence within the Mediterranean area, where it holds a prominent position.
Within Spain, Catalonia is among the regions with the highest GDP per capita, boasting significant technological advancements and a low unemployment rate.
In summary, Catalonia’s level of development aligns with the EU average. Its geographical location and social, economic, technological, and cultural characteristics make it one of the regions with the most promising growth prospects within the European Mediterranean area.
Regional Policy in the EU
Economic and social inequalities have been a persistent concern for EU leaders.
The objective is to progress towards an Economic and Monetary Union, a prerequisite for achieving social and political union among European states and their citizens.
Structural Funds and Cohesion
The primary mechanisms for promoting cohesion among territories are the Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund.
**Structural Funds:** These are key financial instruments for implementing regional and cohesion policies. The current Structural Funds include:
- **The European Social Fund (ESF):** Established by the Treaty of Rome and operational since 1960, the ESF aims to improve employment opportunities and living standards for workers.
Following the Maastricht Treaty, the EU introduced another fund with significant structural impact:
- **The Cohesion Fund:** This fund finances improvements in trans-European transport networks and environmental projects in less developed EU member states.
Regulations governing the operation of the Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund came into effect in 2000. These reforms aimed to enhance economic and social cohesion and reflect new policy developments in the regions, as outlined in the Agenda 2000.
These policies target three main objectives to be achieved through fund management:
**Objective 1: Promoting the development of less-developed regions.**
**Objective 2: Supporting the economic and social conversion of areas with structural deficiencies.** Regions undergoing socioeconomic transformation in the industrial sector must meet the following criteria:
- An unemployment rate higher than the EU average over the past three years.
- A percentage of industrial employment equal to or exceeding the European average in any reference year since 1985.
- An effective reduction in industrial employment compared to the chosen reference year.
Based on EU criteria, declining rural areas are defined as those with:
- A population density below 100 inhabitants per square kilometer.
- Agricultural employment equal to or more than double the EU average in any reference year since 1985.
- An average unemployment rate higher than the EU average over the past three years, or a population decline since 1985.
Urban areas facing difficulties meet the following requirements:
- A high long-term unemployment rate (over 12 months).
- High poverty levels and poor housing conditions.
- A deteriorated environment.
- A high crime rate.
- A low level of education among the population.
Areas dependent on fishing are those where employment in the fisheries sector constitutes a significant percentage of total employment and where industry restructuring has led to job losses. Several sites in Catalonia were considered eligible for Objective 2 funding.
**Objective 3: Supporting the adaptation and modernization of education, training, and employment systems and policies in regions not covered by Objective 1.** The ESF participates in funding this objective.