Contribution by Andreja Pegan (University of Primorska) and Marko Lovec in the Journal of European Integration

Andreja Pegan (Faculty of Management, University of Primorska) and Marko Lovec have published an article titled "Public communication and strategic planning: the case of EU Cohesion Policy" in the Journal of European Integration.

The article addresses strategic planning and public communication using the example of EU Cohesion Policy. It is based on the premise that effective planning involves both formal and inclusive, participatory practices so that public communication supports democratic goals. Based on qualitative data from Slovenian and Irish regional programmes, it finds that an integrated approach is easier to implement in the more decentralized Irish system. In both countries, however, stakeholder commitment to inclusive communication remains limited, particularly regarding establishing a common understanding at the EU level.

The article is openly accessible here: https://doi.org/10.1080/07036337.2025.2537360