We present a novel approach for analyzing the effects of EU cohesion policy on local economic activity. For all municipalities in the border area of the Czech Republic, Germany and Poland, we collect project-level data on EU funding in the period between 2007 and 2013. Using night light emission...

We estimate a linear approximation of the market potential function derived in geography and trade models. Using a spatial econometric estimation approach, border effects can be identified by a differential impact of neighboring regions' purchasing power, depending on whether two regions are...