The system of factors affecting the intensity of Lithuanian-Polish cooperation

The paper analyses factors and conditions which determine the level of cooperation between Lithuania and Poland and which,according to their effect,are divided into driving forces and ob­ stacles. The maindriving forces are associated with the Euro-Atlantic: objectives of both countries that affect the developmental trends and with the EU membership. They include different bi­ lateral and multilateral agreements, participation in the institutions operating within the Baltic: Sea macro-region,and in the pursued strategies,as wellas the possibilities to benefit from the EU regional policy instruments. The obstacles for cooperation are associated with specific peculiari­ ties of economic development of both countries.They cover the peripheral nature of Lithuanian economy as well as the inequality of economic potential of both countries.Inaddition,the "emo­ tional charge", hindering the realization of the idea of strategic: partnership,is also considered as an obstacle for further development of the discussed cooperation.