Polityka spójności Unii Europejskiej i jej implikacje dla Polski

Abstract

Although the European Union is one of the richest parts of the world, there are striking internal disparities of income and opportunity between its regions. The entry of 10 new member countries in May 2004, whose incomes are well below the EU average, has widened these gaps. Big differences in prosperity levels exist both between and within member states. Regional policy transfers resources from affluent to poorer regions. It is both an instrument of financial solidarity and a powerful force for economic integration. Economic and social cohesion has been one of the EU’s priority objectives for some years now. By promoting cohesion, the Union is encouraging harmonious, balanced and sustainable economic development, creating employment and contributing towards environmental protection and the elimination of inequality between men and women. In order to implement the drive for economic and social cohesion, the European Commission has created financial instruments: the Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund. These funds part-finance regional and horizontal operations in the Member States. The dynamic effects of EU membership, coupled with a vigorous and targeted regional policy, can bring results. The gap between the richest and poorest regions has narrowed over the years. The case of Ireland is particularly heartening. Its GDP, which was 64% of the EU average when it joined 30 years ago, is now one of the highest in the Union. Poland can repeat this success. At the moment, Poland is an important EU funds beneficiary. The total Community funds allocated for Poland for years 2004 to 2006 amount to 12,81 billion euro at current prices, for years 2007 to 2013 – 67,3 billion euro. These funds are utilized mainly for infrastructure development, particularly transport infrastructure, support for enterprises and human resources development.