Social perception of municipal investments co-financed by structural funds

Abstract

The integration with the European Union as one of the most important events in recent Polish history has had a significant impact on the functioning of local government units. The possibility of obtaining structural funds significantly changed the activities of municipalities in both the current operations and carrying out an investment. The aim of the article is to present the opinion of the representatives of local communities on the perception of the use and effects of the use of structural funds to local government units. The empirical material for analysis were the results of the surveys carried out in 24 municipalities of the Lubelskie, Małopolskie, Podkarpackie, Śląskie and Świętokrzyskie Regions. Respondents perceived the various benefits of Polish accession to the EU, and among the most important mentioned increasing the availability of funds for modernization and development of social and technical infrastructure facilities. To a lesser extent, they were valued aspects such as the increase in economic activity of citizens and equalization of disparities between regions. According to respondents opinions, completed investments contributed to a greater extent to the improvement of quality of life than to create the conditions for sustainable economic development. Assessment of extent of the impact of EU funds were divided, however they prevailed dealing improve the standard of living as the main effect of the investment. It turned out that such investments were realized in the first place, as those that best reflect the preferences of local communities. Only municipalities that met their immediate needs and raised further funds, allocate them to projects for local development.