Dylematy wspierania rozwoju metropolii w ramach polityki spójności Unii Europejskiej

Abstract

Changes taking place in modern societies and in their economic activity are becoming more and more dynamic in their character. These changes have a territorial dimension that has been undervalued so far; however, at present it can be observed that this dimension is growing in importance. The importance of a region perceived as a separate social and economic system is becoming more important, too. As a result of the analysis included in the article, it turned out that the highest level of economic development could be noticed in big-city regions, primarily the capital ones. Hence the main goal of EU cohesion policy is to support less developed regions. On the other hand EU is trying to create the most competitive economy in the world what can not be achieved without supporting the strongest regions. The article describes some dilemmas that concern reducing regional disparities in the European Union.