El Fondo de Compensación Interterritorial: Análisis y propuestas de reforma

The aim of this paper is twofold. First, we analyze the Inter-territorial Compensation Fund (ICF) as a regional policy instrument contemplated in the 1978 Spanish Constitution. Attention is focused on the period 1990-2013. Both the drivers of the ICF and its impact on regional public investment are analyzed. Second, a reform proposal is discussed, involving changes in ICF total amount in order to compensate the decline of the flow of European funds to Spain. The criteria to become a beneficiary region and the distribution of grants are also discussed. Finally, we stress the need to improve planning, efficiency, and transparency in using ICF resources.