| Summary: | This thesis is a study of the role of institutions in the development of Greece since becoming a member of the European Community in 1981, I argue that the institutions of a society, be they political, economic or social in nature, are fundamental to its ability to advance the standard of living of its citizens. The sophistication of institutions is therefore a crucial factor separating more advanced from less advanced countries. One important aspect of European integration is its impact on the institutional framework of Member States. If that institutional impact (also known as Europeanisation) is positive, then European integration has the potential to promote the standard of living in those parts of the European Union where domestic institutions are deficient. The thesis identifies specific institutional aspects of Greece's development since World War II, in particular the role of the state in society. Against this background, the analysis concentrates on the period from EC accession in 1981 to the end of the implementation of the second multi-annul period of European regional policy in 1999. The assessment of the role and impact of European regional policy provides the empirical evidence concerning the importance of institutions. It also suggests that Greece's long-run development crucially depends on the institutional framework within which policy is conducted and implemented. This framework includes not only the mechanisms of the state apparatus (governance structures) but also the broader, formal and informal, institutional framework of the economy and polity which steers the actions of policy-makers and the population at large. Although the impact of Europeanisation has been positive by providing an impetus for domestic institutional reform, counterproductive institutional stasis remains a major challenge for Greek society.
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