Money talks, but can it run? Assessing the territorial dynamics of EU funds absorption capacity

Using data from the execution of 2014-2020 cohesion policy, the paper offers a comprehensive analysis of the speed of absorption capacity of European funds by introducing novel metrics. It evaluates absorption capacity considering time performance and distinguishing between national and regional governance models. The study employs a Tobit model to explain the overall speed of absorption and a multinomial regression model to describe the drivers of the thematic area with the highest absorption capacity. Programmes and territorial characteristics are both relevant factors explaining the level of absorption of funds. However, when explaining the thematic area with the highest absorption capacity, programme characteristics are more relevant than territorial ones.