new characteristics of inequalities in the information society and ...

ISSN: 2247-6172;
ISSN-L: 2247-6172
Review of Applied Socio- Economic Research
(Volume 5, Issue 1/ 2013 ), pp. 69
URL: http://www.reaser.eu
e-mail: editors@reaser.eu
EU regional policy and the opportunities for socio-economic development
of municipalities in Bulgaria
Veneta Gaydardzhieva 1
1 Department of Regional Development, Faculty of Economy,
Trakia University, Bulgaria
Abstract. The Structural Funds (SF) are the main instrument of the European Union for conducting its
regional policy. Through funding the European Regional Policy by EU funds, the Union complements and
supports national activities. It has an impact on development planning at regional and local level. In recent
years, the municipal administrations in Bulgaria have been relying heavily on project activities in the
implementation of municipal goals and priorities. The preparation of municipal projects and their
management both require a highly professional staff of experts. Most municipalities in Bulgaria, including
those with greater success in the preparation and application of projects under the Operational Programs
have difficulties and problems in project implementation. Most of them are summarized and discussed in this
research.
Keywords: regional policy, structural funds, design work, Operative Programs, municipalities.
JEL Codes: R11, O18, O19.
1. Introduction
The Regional Policy of the European Union aims at eliminating differences in the status and
development of over 250 regions in the Community and providing EU citizens equal access to quality
education, proper job, clean environment, an enabling business environment. This policy is based on the
principle of solidarity. About one third of the EU budget is directed to less developed regions and social
groups. In art. 158 of the Treaty establishing the European Community it is stated that in order to strengthen
its economic and social cohesion, the Community aims at reducing disparities between the levels of
development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favored regions or areas, including
rural areas . These actions will be supported by: the Structural Funds (SF), the European Investment Bank
(EIB) and other existing financial instruments (Article 159 TEC).
Structural Funds (SF) are the main EU instrument for implementation of its regional policy. These
financial instruments for the period 2007-2013 are: the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and
European Social Fund (ESF).
Corresponding author: Assoc. Prof. Ph.D. at Trakia University, Bulgaria; Tel.: + 359 42 699 424;
E-mail address: veng.sz@abv.bg