THE REGIONAL COOPERATION IN THE ENLARGED EUROPEAN UNION – TOWARDS A UNITED AND MORE COMPETITIVE EUROPE

Abstract

The enlarged European Union encompasses regions characterized by a diversified level of socio-economic development and innovation. The Community cohesion policy contributes to a harmonious and balanced development of the European territory, and the assistance in support of cross-border cooperation, as well as transnational and interregional cooperation is offered through the Community Initiative INTERREG III. The article presents the innovation potential of the border regions of the Western and Southern Poland. It is not sufficient in the light of the presented indicators, and it is necessary to take up measures aiming at its development. The Polish accession to the EU has brought along new possibilities in terms of supporting cross-border cooperation, as well as transnational and interregional one, in the years 2004-2006. Also, in the new programming period for the years 2007-2013, emphasis has been given to the need for promoting this direction of activity, while pointing at the same time to the importance of innovation, since innovation constitutes a key factor of economic growth and of enhancing competitiveness of European regions.

Keywords

• cohesion policy
• INTERREG Initiative
• European Territorial Cooperation
• region
• innovation