2026
Schwab, Thomas; Hagemann, Sara; Többen, Johannes
Heating Up Inequality? Socio-spatial impacts of ETS2 on European housing and cohesion Working paper
2026.
Links | BibTeX | Tags: Bertelsmann Stiftung, Cohesion, European Economics
@workingpaper{nokey,
title = {Heating Up Inequality? Socio-spatial impacts of ETS2 on European housing and cohesion},
author = {Thomas Schwab and Sara Hagemann and Johannes Többen},
url = {https://www.bertelsmann-stiftung.de/en/publications/publication/did/heating-up-inequality},
doi = {10.11586/2025112},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-01-22},
urldate = {2026-01-22},
keywords = {Bertelsmann Stiftung, Cohesion, European Economics},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {workingpaper}
}
2025
Schwab, Thomas; Demidov, Andrey
Cohesion Policy in National Envelopes: How to integrate Partnership Technical Report
2025.
Links | BibTeX | Tags: Bertelsmann Stiftung, Cohesion, Federalism
@techreport{nokey,
title = {Cohesion Policy in National Envelopes: How to integrate Partnership},
author = {Thomas Schwab and Andrey Demidov},
url = {https://www.bertelsmann-stiftung.de/de/publikationen/publikation/did/cohesion-policy-in-national-envelopes-how-to-integrate-partnership},
doi = {10.11586/2024160},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-04-28},
urldate = {2025-04-28},
keywords = {Bertelsmann Stiftung, Cohesion, Federalism},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
2024
Schwab, Thomas
Quo Vadis, Cohesion Policy? European Regional Development at a Crossroads Journal Article
In: Intereconomics, vol. 59, no. 5, pp. 284-292, 2024.
Links | BibTeX | Tags: Bertelsmann Stiftung, Cohesion, European Economics
@article{intereconomics-quo-vadis-cohesion-policy,
title = {Quo Vadis, Cohesion Policy? European Regional Development at a Crossroads},
author = {Thomas Schwab},
url = {https://www.intereconomics.eu/contents/year/2024/number/5/article/quo-vadis-cohesion-policy-european-regional-development-at-a-crossroads.html},
doi = {10.2478/ie-2024-0056},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-10-03},
urldate = {2024-10-03},
journal = {Intereconomics},
volume = {59},
number = {5},
pages = {284-292},
keywords = {Bertelsmann Stiftung, Cohesion, European Economics},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Schwab, Thomas
Quo vadis, Cohesion Policy? European Regional Development at a Crossroads Working paper
2024.
Links | BibTeX | Tags: Bertelsmann Stiftung, Cohesion, European Economics
@workingpaper{quo_vadis_cohesion,
title = {Quo vadis, Cohesion Policy? European Regional Development at a Crossroads},
author = {Thomas Schwab},
editor = {Bertelsmann Stiftung},
url = {https://www.bertelsmann-stiftung.de/de/publikationen/publikation/did/quo-vadis-cohesion-policy-european-regional-development-at-a-crossroads},
doi = {10.11586/2024083},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-06-13},
urldate = {2024-06-13},
keywords = {Bertelsmann Stiftung, Cohesion, European Economics},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {workingpaper}
}
2023
Többen, Johannes; Banning, Maximilian; Hembach-Stunden, Katharina; Stöver, Britta; Ulrich, Philip; Schwab, Thomas
Energising EU Cohesion: Powering up lagging regions in the renewable energy transition Technical Report
2023.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Bertelsmann Stiftung, Cohesion
@techreport{nokey,
title = {Energising EU Cohesion: Powering up lagging regions in the renewable energy transition},
author = {Johannes Többen and Maximilian Banning and Katharina Hembach-Stunden and Britta Stöver and Philip Ulrich and Thomas Schwab},
editor = {Bertelsmann Stiftung},
url = {https://www.bertelsmann-stiftung.de/de/publikationen/publikation/did/energising-eu-cohesion
https://ideas.repec.org/p/pra/mprapa/119374.html},
doi = {10.11586/2023040},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-12-05},
urldate = {2023-12-05},
abstract = {The European Green Deal mandates a substantial transformation of the energy sector, responsible for more than 80 % of total greenhouse gas emissions. This study investigates the economic implications of achieving climate neutrality in the European energy sector in light of the EU's core goal of economic cohesion, i.e. harmonious economic development across European regions. Employing a novel multi-regional input-output model, our analysis reveals how the renewable energy transition affects European regions. Under complete decarbonisation, changes in value added per capita range from -2,450 Euro to +1,570 Euro, and employment levels fluctuate between -2.1 % and +4.9 %. On average, most regions experience positive effects, characterised by an average increase in value added per capita of 10 Euro and a 0.3 % rise in employment in 2050. Overall, rural regions with substantial renewable energy potential derive the greatest benefits, while urban regions heavily reliant on carbon-intensive industries are more likely to experience adverse effects. This dynamic fosters economic cohesion by providing opportunities for lagging regions to catch up, yet also poses fresh challenges to achieving this goal. Therefore, cohesion policy must expand its scope to counter the adverse effects as well as leveraging opportunities created by the renewable energy transition in all European regions.},
keywords = {Bertelsmann Stiftung, Cohesion},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
The European Green Deal mandates a substantial transformation of the energy sector, responsible for more than 80 % of total greenhouse gas emissions. This study investigates the economic implications of achieving climate neutrality in the European energy sector in light of the EU's core goal of economic cohesion, i.e. harmonious economic development across European regions. Employing a novel multi-regional input-output model, our analysis reveals how the renewable energy transition affects European regions. Under complete decarbonisation, changes in value added per capita range from -2,450 Euro to +1,570 Euro, and employment levels fluctuate between -2.1 % and +4.9 %. On average, most regions experience positive effects, characterised by an average increase in value added per capita of 10 Euro and a 0.3 % rise in employment in 2050. Overall, rural regions with substantial renewable energy potential derive the greatest benefits, while urban regions heavily reliant on carbon-intensive industries are more likely to experience adverse effects. This dynamic fosters economic cohesion by providing opportunities for lagging regions to catch up, yet also poses fresh challenges to achieving this goal. Therefore, cohesion policy must expand its scope to counter the adverse effects as well as leveraging opportunities created by the renewable energy transition in all European regions.Bachtrögler-Unger, Julia; Balland, Pierre-Alexandre; Boschma, Ron; Schwab, Thomas
Technological capabilities and the twin transition in Europe: Opportunities for regional collaboration and economic cohesion Technical Report
2023.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Bertelsmann Stiftung, Cohesion
@techreport{tech_opportunities,
title = {Technological capabilities and the twin transition in Europe: Opportunities for regional collaboration and economic cohesion},
author = {Julia Bachtrögler-Unger and Pierre-Alexandre Balland and Ron Boschma and Thomas Schwab},
editor = {Bertelsmann Stiftung},
url = {https://www.bertelsmann-stiftung.de/de/publikationen/publikation/did/technological-capabilities-and-the-twin-transition-in-europe
https://ideas.repec.org/p/pra/mprapa/117485.html},
doi = {10.11586/2023017},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-04-24},
urldate = {2023-04-24},
abstract = {Technological capabilities vary substantially across European regions. Combining these diverse sets of capabilities is crucial to develop the technologies necessary to master the green and digital transition. However, collaboration between regions is sparse today. To increase inter-regional cooperation, linkages that spur the development of green and digital technologies must be identified. In this study, we provide an overview of inter-regional collaborations already in place and map new opportunities for these between regions. A special emphasis is placed on potential collaborations between economically leading and lagging regions. Our results provide new impetus for policy designs that strengthen regional innovation capabilities and cohesion across Europe’s regions.},
keywords = {Bertelsmann Stiftung, Cohesion},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
Technological capabilities vary substantially across European regions. Combining these diverse sets of capabilities is crucial to develop the technologies necessary to master the green and digital transition. However, collaboration between regions is sparse today. To increase inter-regional cooperation, linkages that spur the development of green and digital technologies must be identified. In this study, we provide an overview of inter-regional collaborations already in place and map new opportunities for these between regions. A special emphasis is placed on potential collaborations between economically leading and lagging regions. Our results provide new impetus for policy designs that strengthen regional innovation capabilities and cohesion across Europe’s regions.2022
Maucorps, Ambre; Römisch, Roman; Schwab, Thomas; Vujanovic, Nina
The Future of EU Cohesion: Effects of the Twin Transition on Disparities across European Regions Technical Report
2022.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Bertelsmann Stiftung, Cohesion
@techreport{future_cohesion,
title = {The Future of EU Cohesion: Effects of the Twin Transition on Disparities across European Regions},
author = {Ambre Maucorps and Roman Römisch and Thomas Schwab and Nina Vujanovic},
editor = {Bertelsmann Stiftung},
url = {https://www.bertelsmann-stiftung.de/de/publikationen/publikation/did/the-future-of-eu-cohesion
https://ideas.repec.org/p/pra/mprapa/117681.html},
doi = {10.11586/2022127},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-10-12},
urldate = {2022-10-12},
abstract = {Closing the prosperity gap between regions has always been a key political aspiration of the European Union – and cohesion policy is the primary means to achieve that goal. Europe is currently undergoing a digital and green transition that is drastically changing the way its economy works. How well prepared are regions to capitalise on the twin transition? And what impact will it have on regional cohesion in Europe? Our study finds that greening and digitalising the economy will likely widen the gap between rich and poor regions in Europe.},
keywords = {Bertelsmann Stiftung, Cohesion},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
Closing the prosperity gap between regions has always been a key political aspiration of the European Union – and cohesion policy is the primary means to achieve that goal. Europe is currently undergoing a digital and green transition that is drastically changing the way its economy works. How well prepared are regions to capitalise on the twin transition? And what impact will it have on regional cohesion in Europe? Our study finds that greening and digitalising the economy will likely widen the gap between rich and poor regions in Europe.2017
Weiss, Stefani; Heinemann, Friedrich; Berger, Melissa; Harendt, Christoph; Moessinger, Marc-Daniel; Schwab, Thomas
How Europe Can Deliver: Optimising the division of competences among the EU and its member states Technical Report
2017.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Bertelsmann Stiftung, European Economics, Federalism
@techreport{how_europe_can_deliver,
title = { How Europe Can Deliver: Optimising the division of competences among the EU and its member states},
author = {Stefani Weiss and Friedrich Heinemann and Melissa Berger and Christoph Harendt and Marc-Daniel Moessinger and Thomas Schwab
},
editor = {Bertelsmann Stiftung},
url = {https://www.bertelsmann-stiftung.de/de/publikationen/publikation/did/how-europe-can-deliver
https://ideas.repec.org/b/zbw/zewexp/179116.html},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-11-28},
urldate = {2017-11-28},
abstract = {The study was written in the context of Europe’s multiple crises. In the eyes of many voters, the performance of the EU has been disappointing in the aftermath of the economic and euro area debt crisis. The decision of the United Kingdom to leave the Union has drastically demonstrates this dissatisfaction. Against this background, the study aims to provide guidance for a better-performing EU through an improved division of competences between the European Union and its member states. The study shows were more integration would lead to a better provision of public goods and thereby to – hopefully - greater acceptance with the European citizens and where, in turn, member states would reach better results.
The case studies cover eight specific policies from a wide range of fields with respect to their preferable assignment. The comprehensive, quantification-based assessments indicate that it would be preferable to have responsibility for higher education and providing farmers with income support at the national level. Conversely, a shift of competences to the EU level would be advantageous when it comes to asylum policies, defence, corporate taxation, development aid and a (complementary) unemployment insurance scheme in the euro area. For one policy – railway freight transport – the findings are indeterminate.
Overall, the study recommends a differentiated integration strategy comprising both new European policies and a roll-back of EU competences in other fields.},
keywords = {Bertelsmann Stiftung, European Economics, Federalism},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
The study was written in the context of Europe’s multiple crises. In the eyes of many voters, the performance of the EU has been disappointing in the aftermath of the economic and euro area debt crisis. The decision of the United Kingdom to leave the Union has drastically demonstrates this dissatisfaction. Against this background, the study aims to provide guidance for a better-performing EU through an improved division of competences between the European Union and its member states. The study shows were more integration would lead to a better provision of public goods and thereby to – hopefully - greater acceptance with the European citizens and where, in turn, member states would reach better results.
The case studies cover eight specific policies from a wide range of fields with respect to their preferable assignment. The comprehensive, quantification-based assessments indicate that it would be preferable to have responsibility for higher education and providing farmers with income support at the national level. Conversely, a shift of competences to the EU level would be advantageous when it comes to asylum policies, defence, corporate taxation, development aid and a (complementary) unemployment insurance scheme in the euro area. For one policy – railway freight transport – the findings are indeterminate.
Overall, the study recommends a differentiated integration strategy comprising both new European policies and a roll-back of EU competences in other fields.
Research
2026
2025
Cohesion Policy in National Envelopes: How to integrate Partnership Technical Report
2025.
2024
Quo Vadis, Cohesion Policy? European Regional Development at a Crossroads Journal Article
In: Intereconomics, vol. 59, no. 5, pp. 284-292, 2024.
Quo vadis, Cohesion Policy? European Regional Development at a Crossroads Working paper
2024.
2023
Energising EU Cohesion: Powering up lagging regions in the renewable energy transition Technical Report
2023.
2022
2017