This paper investigates the impact of the 2014-2020 EU Cohesion Policy on regional economic growth in Portugal. Using a difference-in-differences approach combined with an event study framework, we exploit the variation in treatment across NUTS II regions to estimate both average and dynamic treatment effects on GDP per capita. The analysis reveals that treated regions experienced a statistically significant and economically meaningful increase in GDP per capita relative to control regions, with effects intensifying over time. Robustness checks - including placebo tests, exclusion of structural distinct regions, and specifications with relevant socioeconomic controls - support the validity of the identification strategy and the stability of the results. These findings contribute to the literature on EU regional policy effectiveness and underscore the role of targeted public investment in promoting economic convergence within member states.
The Impact of Cohesion Policy (2014–2020) on Economic Growth in Portugal
