Dr. Paulina Lenik (Jagiellonian University)
Cohesion funds have been a cornerstone of the European Union’s efforts to promote balanced development across its member states. For Poland, these funds have been transformative, funding infrastructure projects, fostering innovation, and bridging regional disparities. With over €76 billion allocated to Poland for the 2021-2027 period, the country remains the largest beneficiary of the EU’s cohesion policy. These investments aim to enhance environmental policy, transport and public infrastructure, and are available to EU member states with a national income per capita below 90% of the EU average.
However, the relationship between cohesion funds and trust in EU institutions is complex. And while these funds symbolize the EU’s commitment to solidarity, challenges such as bureaucratic hurdles and political tensions can influence public attitudes towards it. Trust in EU institutions often hinges on the visible impact of these investments on citizens’ daily lives. When funds are effectively utilized, they can bolster confidence in the EU’s ability to address local needs. Conversely, delays or mismanagement can erode such trust.
EU citizens are found to be largely appreciate of the tangible benefits of cohesion funding, as these investments drive regional development, improve infrastructure, and reduce disparities between member states. However, the conditionality attached to these funds—such as compliance with rule-of-law principles or fiscal reforms—often appear to have an inverse effect. Many perceive these conditions as external interference in national affairs, questioning the fairness of linking funding to political benchmarks. This tension underscores the delicate balance between upholding EU values and respecting the sovereignty of its member states.
These reflections provide a benchmark for the ongoing research on “Cohesion funds and attitudes towards the EU: a case study of Poland” by Dr Paulina Lenik. She explores the linkage between economic convergence and degree of trust exhibited to EU institutions across the regions of Poland in years 2002-2022. Her research fits in the larger body of literature juxtaposing the individual attitudes – as political trust, and satisfaction with governance – with tackling economic divergence across the block.
Dr. Paulina Lenik is an assistant professor and a researcher at Taube Centre for Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences (2024-2026) at the Jagiellonian University.
The views expressed in this blog reflect the position of the author and not necessarily that of the PROSPER network.
