Od euroregionu do europejskiej współpracy terytorialnej

Abstract

We concurrently distinguish two processes that are ongoing in modern Europe which directly influence regional cooperation. The first of them has an integrative character and the second an economic character. The purpose of the former is to get rid of the internal borders of the EU and to enhance external boarders outside the EU. In the latter there are socio-economic actions which develop the processes of regional cooperation. Both of these not only determine the development of the regions which lie close to internal boarders but also the external borders of the EU which influence the development of frontier areas. What characterises the process of development in the Polish euro-region? Each of these determines its own targets along with the rules of cooperation to which we can include among others; the development of human capital, the development of entrepreneurship, the development of the tourism sector, open boarders and working together on environmental security. The article below presents the evolution which has taken place regarding the approach to regional cooperation along with the influence of EU funds on common actions of frontier areas with regards to the enhancement of their competitiveness.