8. Stages in the European regional policy and its effect on Bulgaria

Author: Stela Todorova

DOI: n/a

Resume

Following the country’s accession to the EU, the regional policy of Bulgaria aims to comply with that of the European Union (EU), known as the cohesion policy. Based on the principle of solidarity, European regional policy focuses on reducing disparities in the level of development of the regions, providing equal opportunities for access to quality education and training, obtaining suitable employment, provision of clean environment and a favorable business environment. In the field of regional development the state policy is directed to „reducing interregional and intraregional differences in the degree of economic, social and territorial development“ (RDA, 2008). The purpose of the study is to trace the main stages in the development of the European regional policy and its impact on the economy of the country.