Units of local government as a beneficiary of the cohesion policy in 2007–2013

Abstract

The aim of the article is to present the distribution of the intensity of the absorption of cohesion policy funds by units of local government in view of the multiannual financial framework 2007- 2013. Presented unstructured quantitative analysis takes into account the breakdown by province and operational programs. Statistical analysis shows significant spatial differences in the activity of local governments in the cohesion policy. Despite the similar value of all projects carried out in support of individual provinces significant differences appeared in the intensity of absorption of funds between programs. High dispersion occurred in the case of central programs of investment and innovation. The local government units from the provinces characterized by the lowest development indicators have shown the lowest activity in this area. Between the absorption of regional funds there is a statistically significant positive relation. On the other hand, between the regional funds, and the central character of this relation it was negative. In the light of the data obtained there should be a reasonable doubt whether, at such a high differentiation of activity of individual units of local government in obtaining external non-repayable funding, the achievement of the objectives listed in the cohesion policy is possible.