Polityka Unii Europejskiej wobec regionów o niższym poziomie rozwoju społeczno-gospodarczego

The EU’s regional policy, especially the financial assistance directed to less socially and economically developed regions in an enlarged and diversified Union of 27 member states, is a problem of both scientific and practical importance. The article focuses on theoretical foundations including the theory of regional convergence and divergence and strategy for endogenous development. It then goes on to provide critical views which have raised doubts about the effectiveness of external assistance. In this context, the EU’s programmes directed towards the development of less developed regions are very important. The author concludes that the financial assistance directed towards less developed countries and regions is legitimised and even necessary. Taking into account its scope and the scale of needs, the primary source of financial assistance should be EU funds and also the countries themselves. If greater convergence between rich and poor regions is to be achieved, a strategy for endogenous development is also needed.