| Abstract [eng] |
This Master‘s thesis examines the impact of European Union structural funds on NUTS 2 regional convergence in the period between 2006 – 2018. The thesis aims is to theoretically substantiate the effect of EU structural funds on regional convergence, prepare a methodology for the assessment, and perform an assessment of the impact of EU structural funds on NUTS 2 regional convergence. The first part of the work is based on an analysis of scientific literature and empirical research on the topic of assessing the impact of EU structural funds on regional convergence. A theoretical analysis of evaluation methods is performed, and the essence, and composition of EU regional policy and its main priorities are presented. Furthermore, the analysis of empirical research on the topic of convergence is presented, and summarized the results of it. The methods of evaluating the effectiveness of EU fund support are determined, and the theoretical factors determining convergence are distinguished and summarized. The second part of the work is based on presenting the methodology for evaluating the convergence of NUTS 2 regions and presenting the research process. The theoretical model of the empirical assessment of the impact of EU Structural Funds support on regional convergence is presented, the research stages are presented, the research sample is defined and the periods analyzed. Selected convergence assessment methods are indicated. A model for assessing the impact of EU structural funds on convergence is created, and variables chosen in the model are justified. The stages of the empirical research are presented and the reliability assessment of the model is defined and the limitations of the research are indicated. The third part of the work assesses the impact of EU structural funds on the convergence of NUTS 2 regions. Firstly, an analysis of the distribution of EU funds in NUTS 2 regions and evaluation indicators is presented. Three models are created, which evaluate the funds of the European Regional Development Fund, the Cohesion Fund, and these funds together named as EU structural funds. The reliability of the created models is evaluated, and the obtained model results are interpreted. After confirming a significant convergence process in the analyzed regions, further calculations are made and the impact of EU funds is determined. The obtained results of the study allowed to confirm the impact of EU structural funds on the convergence of NUTS 2 regions. The study confirmed the positive and significant impact of the funds of the European Regional Development Fund and the Cohesion Fund on the convergence of NUTS 2 regions, as the funding intensity increases, the differences between the analyzed regions decrease. |
