Evolution of the European Structural Policy. Systemic Determination of Changes

Abstract

The analyses made in the article are concentrated on characterization of the structural policy of the European Union in the historical approach, with the institutional current strongly stressed. According to the thesis that has been put forward about the national model of the regional development policy being dependent on its European match, an attempt is presented of a complex evaluation of the evolution of the Union’s structural policy, as result of which it is proven that the basic determinant of rationalization of the reforms carried out up till now are their systemic consequences. Despite the recognition of the member-states’ competences as far as forming the aims and principles ruling the policy of developing the intra-national territorial arrangements is concerned, the European model consistently makes the actions undertaken within it dependent on the principles and aims of the Union’s policy by co-financing projects encouraging development. The proven superiority of the systemic context of the reforms undertaken in the EU directs the evolution of the national model, promoting the systemic approach to the policy of regional development and in this way rejecting – as not rational in the above meaning – actions with a provisional character.