How to Make Eu Cohesion Policy More Effective? Conclusions for Poland

Abstract

In order to remove economic regional disparities, the European Union is realizing a cohesion policy. It is justified economically and socially. It is however conditioned by an acceptance of an active role of the Union and member states in the economy, and therefore a permission for cross-national interventionism. The mechanism of the cohesion policy is based on transfers, and then its essence is redistribution of incomes in order to support selected regions and unfavoured social groups. The main aim of the herein article is to evaluate the influence of the cohesion policy of the European Union on the economy of the regions and economic disparities as well as to formulate recommendations, which will enhance its effectiveness. The evaluation of the Union cohesion policy is not easy. We have to, however, separate its influence from other factors affecting the social-economic situation of the regions. Most of the studies and analyses indicates a positive influence of programmes of the cohesion policy on the economic growth, the situation in the labour market and other economic rates. It has however many imperfections. The controversies are evoked mainly by unsuccessful attempts to reach the main goal, that is social, economic and territorial cohesion. It does not mean the negation of the results of numerous researches, which confirm a positive influence of the cohesion policy on the economic growth. Those and other research methods confirm in fact, that the structural funds contribute to the growth of GDP per capita and to the reduction of unemployment.