Regional Diversity and Smart Growth of the European Union

Abstract

The present study demonstrates the increase of the regional diversity of the EU. The regional convergence of the EU countries is unlikely, even with the most optimistic forecast of the development. An important tool for the implementation of related key strategic priorities of the EU for the period up to 2020 is to improve the consistency between regional policy and European economic governance, to avoid excessive imbalance in the implementation of numerous programs. In case of failure of the work of governments and administrations of particular regions, the principle of obtaining EU funds Structural Funds in 2014, depending on the ability to contribute to the implementation of the "Europe 2020" strategy may exacerbate regional inequalities. A flexible system of classification of the regions and, consequently, change their proportions of funding contributes to more efficient use of budgetary resources, and therefore − smart growth, increased productivity and international competitiveness of the EU.

Keywords

• European Union
• smart growth
• innovation
• regional policy