REGIONAL POLICY AND EUROREGIONS

Abstract

The article aims to present the problems related to Euroregions, their place and role in the European Union. The origin, formation and development of regional policy, its place in the functioning of the European Union in chronological order are considered. The key factors that influenced the transformation of regional policy are identified: The main areas of regional policy and tools for regional development are identified. It is proved that the regional policy of the European Union is aimed at reducing differences in the development of individual regions and, consequently, at increasing socio-economic cohesion. Cross-border cooperation in the form of Euroregions as one of the main tasks of the European Union is studied. Since the beginning of regional policy, the analysis of the main definitions of the concept of «Euroregion» has been made, on the basis of which the conceptual apparatus, conceptual principles, the role of the Euroregion in the functioning of the European Union have been expanded and clarified. It is argued that the formation of the Euroregion is aimed at coordinating mutual efforts and implementing concerted action in various spheres of life on national legislation and international law to address common problems in the interests of people inhabiting its territory on both sides of the state border. The understanding of the essence of the Euroregion as a center for the implementation of cohesion policy has been improved and its role in the integration of Europe and the development of local communities has been emphasized. The role of Euroregions in removing barriers to trade, establishing new economic relations that are not limited to national borders and lead to the achievement of social and economic policy goals in the European Union is emphasized. Numerous barriers to the establishment and development of cross-border cooperation have been studied and analyzed. The topic is related to the functioning of Euroregions, their importance and role in building a strong and homogeneous in terms of development and living conditions of the European Union.