Explaining the formulation and implementation of Recovery and Resilience Plans in Europe: a comparative approach 

In the European Union (EU), the economic and social consequences of the Covid-19 crisis have been devastating. The EU has responded by adopting the ‘Next Generation EU’ funding programme, the centrepiece of which is the Recovery and Resilience Facility, amounting to €672 billion in loans and grants to support economic reforms and investments undertaken by EU countries. In order to access the funds available under the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the member states have to submit National Recovery and Resilience Plans (NRRPs).

This research project sets out to examine the political-economy factors that influence the formulation and implementation of NRRPs. In doing so, it will shed light on both the domestic politics of the Recovery and Resilience Facility and its second-order effect on the relationship between member countries and European institutions.