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Purpose: The development and competitiveness of regions constitutes one of the most crucial areas of the intervention of the European Union’s structural funds. Aid to SME’s and increasing their competitiveness constitute one of the main priorities of supporting the development of individual regions. The aim of the article is to summarize and evaluate Polish experiences in the use of EU funds for the needs of increasing the competitiveness of the SME sector. Design/methodology/approach: The paper features an analysis of literature concerning the structural funds with a particular focus on the European Regional Development Fund. Additionally, the author analysed the provisions of basic strategic documents, which contain the assumptions for the implementation of the cohesion policy in Polish regions in subsequent EU budget periods over the course of 2004-2020. Findings: Poland as well as its regions have been the beneficiaries of the EU cohesion policy for nearly twenty years, preparing strategic documents and managing aid received from the structural funds during three subsequent periods: 2004-2006, 2007-2013 and 2014-2020. For almost two decades a system of support and the implementation of its major priorities was created at a national and regional level, stipulated in operational programmes and implemented by institutions equipped with suitable competences. Originality/value: The paper is an attempt at summarising Polish experiences in using the ERDF’s aid for the purpose of raising the competitiveness of the entities in the SME sector, which was to constitute one of the main priorities of improving the competitiveness and growth of Polish regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the review of regulations and press releases of EU institutions, the content of changes in the cohesion policy in 2021–2027 was revealed in comparison with the period 20142020. The conclusion is made about the preservation of a significant role of the cohesion policy in the EU’s activities and high volume of its allocations from the EU Budget. The author sees an element of novelty in the synthesis of well-known methods and principles of supranational regulation of the socio-economic development of the EU territories –the budget method, the principle of financial conditionality and the open method of coordination. Particular attention is paid to the decision to reorient a third of the allocations of European regional policy funds for programs of transition to a circular and climate-neutral economy in 2021–2027. The explanation of such strong link between the goals of regional policy and the ecological and climatic goals of the EU is proposed. Namely, the success of the «Europe 2020» Strategy only in terms of climate benchmarks, according to the author, gives to the official Brussels a reason to see the potential to increase the effectiveness of regional policy.

Copyright of Review of Regional Research is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Social Inequalities & Economic Growth / Nierownosci Spoleczne a Wzrost Gospodarczy is the property of University of Rzeszow and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Accounting & Management is the property of Croatian Accountant and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article is aimed at further developing the financial instruments for the cross-border cooperation with the definition of key classification criteria, disclosing the contensive, subject-targeted, and functional directedness together with institutional support for the implementation of relevant programs. Developed on the basis of generalization of existing scientific approaches, the author’s own approach to systematization of financial instruments for the cross-border cooperation is presented. On the basis of carried out research, the author proposes a number of new criterial attributes of classification of financial instruments for the development of cross-border cooperation. This approach is of applied and integrated nature, taking into account the comprehensiveness of directions of its implementation, and can be used in developing mechanisms for activating the cross-border cooperation. Prospects for further research in this direction will be substantiating the specificity of effect of the financial instruments for the cross-border cooperation to activation of the development of border areas, taking into account their economic, social, cultural, climatic, and other features.

For Romania, 2015 represents the year in which new programming documents are enacted, among which the Regional Operational Programme is the one that focusses on the harmonious development of the regions in terms of GDP/inhabitant and number of new jobs created. During the 2007-2013 period, 19% of the total EU contribution of EUR 19,667 million were allocated for this programme and about a third of the total allocation for 2014-2020 is provided for it. This shows that regional development was and is still considered one of the main objectives, after the improvement of the transport and environment infrastructure. In this context, the authors analyse, in a comparative manner, the results obtained on each axis and by each region during the 2007-2015 time-span, through the projects financed under the Regional Operational Programme 2007-2013 of Romania, trying to identify the main problems and bottlenecks and the way they were dealt with during these years, as well as the changes envisaged for the new ROP 2014-2020. For this analysis the monitoring and the evaluation reports were taken into consideration.

The regional development of Romania in 2014-2020 should rely on the lessons learned from the 2007-2013 period. In this wider context, the paper analyses the effects of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) provided within the 2007-2013 programme focusing on the development of the economic competitiveness, on the large enterprises from the North-East region of Romania. Three hypotheses are tested within this empirical research. First, that the EU financial assistance granted to a large enterprise implies an increase in its net turnover, gross profit and number of staff. Second, we aim to see whether the increase in the net turnover, gross profit and number of staff is directly linked to the increase of the ERDF grant. Finally, we analyse if the increase of the three indicators is higher for the large enterprises that implemented more projects than for the enterprises that implemented a single project. The analysis also puts under discussion the quality and the availability of the information concerning the projects funded by the European Union in Romania, taking also into consideration the 2014-2020 e-cohesion requirement.

This commentary discusses the nexus between the European Union (EU) and the local level of government in light of the contemporary challenge of maintaining social cohesion in European urban areas. Social cohesion is understood as a key element of societal stability, which is increasingly constrained in many urban contexts. Against the backdrop of decision-makers being challenged to find effective governance modes and policies addressing ever more diverse urban populations, the commentary presents evidence on how urban authorities use European funds in addressing social cohesion challenges. Cities’ use of the European Structural and Investment (ESI) Funds in diversity governance has been found to hinge on various factors that are often inter-institutionally determined and that may restrict cities’ possibilities to make most efficient use of the funding. The commentary concludes that more effective and participative forms of multi-level cooperation within frameworks like cohesion policy and the newly established Urban Agenda for the EU are necessary in supporting social cohesion and successful diversity governance in European cities. It further suggests that a reform of EU cohesion policy should entail both conceptual and institutional innovations, allowing for an integration of the intersections of urban diversity and cohesion in policy and fund design and a reinforcement of the partnership principle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Funding for research and development activities is an important part of every society. In the 2007-2013 period, Slovenia increased the share of gross domestic expenditures for research and development. The share then declined, and Slovenia is again falling short of the set goal of investing three percent of its GDP in research and development. The article presents statistical data on the share of investments in research and development activities in Slovenia in the 2008-2015 period and two measures or instruments introduced in 2009 and 2010 by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology of the Republic of Slovenia. The stated goal of the measures was to foster collaboration and networking between researchers at public research organizations and the private sector. The measures in question were the Tender for the development of centers of excellence and the Public tender for the development of competency centers in the 2010-2013 period. The measures were co-financed through structural funds.

Copyright of International Public Administration Review / Mednarodna Revija za Javno Upravo is the property of University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Public Administration and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper analyzes the Romanian absorption capacity of the funds allocated through the REGIO programme, which is part of ERDF programme. Within the paper are presented the concept of absorption capacity and several opinions regarding its main composing elements. Also the Regio programme, its main axis and its budget is briefly presented. In the last chapter of the analysis a thorough analysis of the implementation of REGIO in the Romanian North-West Region was carried out and several causes for the low absorption of European Founds have been identified.. The process of improving the absorption capacity of European Funds is still at the beginning in Romania and will certainly become an important issue over the following years at all levels of the Romanian society and at the level of the European Funding Authorities as well.

The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is the most significant of the Structural Funds in terms of budget and range of thematic priorities. For the purposes of this paper, we argue that three different levels in multi-level governance emerge in their planning and management: the higher (European and national) level planning; the lower level (beneficiaries); and the intermediate level of (national and regional) planning and management. We discuss the views and practices of intermediate managers and beneficiaries to gain insights on the effectiveness of ERDF interventions on the island of Lesvos (Voreio Aigaio region, Greece), with interviews with a number of key stakeholders and beneficiaries. The findings suggest differences and contrasting views on the role of ERDF funding among the different levels. Local politics also affect the effectiveness by influencing the administration, planning and management of ERDF implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper presents analysis, based on the qualitative research among beneficiaries of major projects, funded by European Regional Development Fund and Cohesion Fund of European Union through OP "Transport" 2007-2013 and OP "Transport and Transport Infrastructure" 2014-2020 in Bulgaria. Author develops important factors that influenced publicity management of major infrastructure projects and their key role in the different phases of project planning and implementation. Specific characteristics (including huge public investments) of major transport infrastructure projects focus public attention on each step of preparation, implementation and also exploitation. This requires publicity and information measures to be executed as a part of a comprehensive communication policy of all relevant institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the ways in which European Union Regional Policy, particularly the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), operates in a multi-level governance framework in which stakeholders at sub-national, national and European levels work together in partnership to deliver the European funding. Focusing upon the case of the Highlands and Islands region of Scotland, the paper analyses the ways in which partnership and governance structures have evolved over successive ERDF programming periods between 2000–2006 and 2007–2013. In particular, the paper illustrates the ways in which the Highlands and Islands’ ERDF governance structures were built upon a ‘broad’ and ‘deep’ level of partnership amongst key stakeholders, especially in the 2000–2006 programme. For various reasons, including a significant reduction in its ERDF funding allocation, the level of partnership working was streamlined during the 2007–2013 programme. Importantly, however, the durability of the governance structures has been maintained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A growing number of European countries, especially new Member States, have focused on the absorption of EU funds, in order to restore growth after the outbreak of the financial crisis. These financial mechanisms are considered an attractive tool for financing investment opportunities, particularly in times of crisis, when private investment is low. However, the specialty literature has highlighted the role of European funds in support of economic growth in the short term macroeconomic only in empirical terms, including, in particular, the description of structural funds and key elements that define them (types of funds, objectives, areas of intervention, etc.). These issues are quite important because they define itself the project planning and development of the proposal, since the final selection of eligible projects is done monitoring the match, on the one hand, with the legislative regulations specific for each structural fund (same for all member states) but on the other hand, with the priority objectives and measures specific sectorial operational programs (country-specific). The basic regulations on the Structural Funds can be found in Council Regulation (EC) No EU. 1260 of 21 June 1999 on general provisions of structural and cohesion funds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For Romania, 2015 represents the year in which new programming documents are enacted, among which the Regional Operational Programme is the one that focusses on the harmonious development of the regions in terms of GDP/inhabitant and number of new jobs created. During the 2007-2013 period, 19% of the total EU contribution of EUR 19,667 million were allocated for this programme and about a third of the total allocation for 2014-2020 is provided for it. This shows that regional development was and is still considered one of the main objectives, after the improvement of the transport and environment infrastructure. In this context, the authors analyse, in a comparative manner, the results obtained on each axis and by each region during the 2007-2015 time-span, through the projects financed under the Regional Operational Programme 2007-2013 of Romania, trying to identify the main problems and bottlenecks and the way they were dealt with during these years, as well as the changes envisaged for the new ROP 2014-2020. For this analysis the monitoring and the evaluation reports were taken into consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The regional development of Romania in 2014-2020 should rely on the lessons learned from the 2007-2013 period. In this wider context, the paper analyses the effects of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) provided within the 2007-2013 programme focusing on the development of the economic competitiveness, on the large enterprises from the North-East region of Romania. Three hypotheses are tested within this empirical research. First, that the EU financial assistance granted to a large enterprise implies an increase in its net turnover, gross profit and number of staff. Second, we aim to see whether the increase in the net turnover, gross profit and number of staff is directly linked to the increase of the ERDF grant. Finally, we analyse if the increase of the three indicators is higher for the large enterprises that implemented more projects than for the enterprises that implemented a single project. The analysis also puts under discussion the quality and the availability of the information concerning the projects funded by the European Union in Romania, taking also into consideration the 2014-2020 e-cohesion requirement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Economics & Management / Ekonomia i Zarzadzanie is the property of Bialystok University of Technology (Politechnika Bialostocka) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Romanian Public-Private Partnership Law Review is the property of PPP Research Center S.R.L. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this article, the role of the EU as a key factor for the development of the deinstitutionalization of children is explored. A series of hypotheses concerning EU funding, policies and politics are addressed with regards to how the EU as a whole has affected the deinstitutionalization of children. The article explains the presence of association between instigation of public interest and civil mobilization and the launch of a nationwide reform - in particular how advocacy both at national and EU level led to the adoption of a national reform strategy in Bulgaria. Further, the association between the availability of an innovative approach to spending the EU funds and the decision generally to reform the system for institutional care for children is presented. The article explains the difference that €107.6 million will make for Bulgaria's abandoned children if the European structural funds are realized with their full potential. On the other hand, it reveals the challenges that the process is facing. A great deal of non-governmental organization ( NGO) experience concerning EU involvement in the process has been generalized and construed in order to achieve the best possible understanding of the whole process, the key players and the fundamental issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development towards a ‘Europe of the Regions’ is accompanied by a complex system of cooperation and interdependence between the different levels of policy-making. In this article, we ask how European integration affects the party composition of regional governments. We argue that the European Union (EU) classification system of regions — the ‘Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics’ (NUTS) — establishes incentives to form similar coalition governments among regions that belong to the same NUTS area. We test our argument by analysing government formation in the Czech regions and thus in one EU member state whose regions benefit financially from EU structural policy. The results show that there is empirical evidence to support our main hypotheses: even when controlling for variables that reflect standard coalition theories and for patterns of party competition in the national sphere, we find that coalitions are more likely to form if the respective parties are also part of the government in the regions that belong to the same NUTS area. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Hull Citybuild has received the go-ahead to progress a series of city centre regeneration projects from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The urban regeneration company will bid for around [...]

Despite the creation of a European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in 1975, the European Communities (EC) still lack a policy instrument to reduce the gap between its richest and poorest regions. Analyzes the size, nature, and geographical distribution of the fund's expenditures. The limitations of the ERDF can be partially explained by the continuing dominance of the wealthier member states within the EC. The Single European Act, adopted in July 1987, reasserted the belief that regional disparities must be reduced in order to maintain the "economic and social cohesion" of the EC and promised a shift toward qualified majority voting on matters relating to the ERDF, but whether these changes will lead to an effective ERDF remains to be seen.