Current cohesion policy in the EU: ideas and results

Abstract
The article is devoted to certain aspects of the regional policy in the EU. Its theoretical and methodological preconditions, as well as a place in the general ideology of cohesion are studied. The current results of the European equalization policy are estimated using the GDP per capita indicator for 1995–2003 and 2004–2015. At first glance, the intentions and goals of the European cohesion policy do not remain declarations, the processes of countries convergence on economic criteria are growing in strength. This is proved, in particular, by the results of pulling the new Eastern European countries-members of the EU to the average level. Meanwhile, formal quantitative estimates from the arsenal of mathematical statistics make it cautious to talk about convergence processes as a reality. In any case, some systemic indicators of variation do not indicate trends of equalization. The European Commission has an understanding of the limited capabilities of integrated tools to fully and adequately take into account and describe all the diversity of specific situations.

Keywords:
the European Union, budget, equalization, structural funds, regional policy



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