Regional inequality has been a longstanding issue in the process of EU integration. However, by the turn of the new century, inequalities had increased substantially. Recent events such as the economic crisis of 2008 and the pandemic of 2020 have substantially influenced regional inequalities. The aim of this session is to present the changing landscape of regional inequalities in the EU and to discuss the economic, social and political challenges for the EU, national governments and citizens. This session aims to offer a platform for presenting original work on different aspects of regional inequalities in the EU and an opportunity to discuss challenges for regional policy. Regional income inequalities, health inequalities, the geography of discontent and trends in poverty and wellbeing across regions are among the topics that will be presented and analysed in this session. The dialogue will consider multidimensional and interdisciplinary approaches illustrated with experiences from different countries across Europe as well as wider international comparisons.
After a short introduction by the moderator, Yannis Psycharis (Panteion University), he will give the floor to four speakers for 15 minutes, each followed by a 30-minute open discussion.