E.u‘s Regional Policy. Conceptual Framework in the Context of Current Researches on National and International Level

This paper deals with the following terms: territorial cohesion, territorial cooperation, convergence and local development. Through a comparative analysis of the concepts mentioned above, we have noticed that regional policy aims precisely the realization of economic convergence, territorial cohesion, the development of localities and last but not least the economic development of European territories. In this context, we evidenced the importance of national, regional and local organisms in the European regional policy process in order to achieve a balanced development of the community space. 1.The concepts of territorial cooperation and territorial cohesion Territorial cooperation as a concept has become an extremely important element among the European Community along with the intensification of European integration. As Alice Engl also says, the development of an increasing number of projects and the existence of cross-border areas, were based on three of the European Union’s “products”: the Euro, the single internal market and the Schengen Agreement. [9] As a result, the border areas have been transformed into cooperation ones between the economic, social and political systems belonging to different countries, where human, natural, and financial resources can be used by the inhabitants of those areas.[9] A fact worth remembering is that in recent years it has been highlighted a continuous interest from the national, regional, local and international actors for the territorial cooperation. This idea is supported by the fact that since the EU must face global economic challenges, the continent can’t remain isolated regarding what happens outside its borders. [12] A very important remark is made by Jirka Zapletal, who noted that integration brings into question another aspect: the territorial cohesion among European areas, which is also one of the objectives of the Union as written in the Treaty of Lisbon, signed in 2000. [22] Therefore, territorial cooperation supports the achievement of national cohesion, the infrastructure and communications, cultural exchanges and tourism cooperation between territories among both sides of the borders, regions and nations [8]. In order to support the regional cooperation, at the European level was created the European Grouping of Territorial Co-operation (EGTC), which is “meant to overcome the obstacles on territorial cooperation through the establishment of a cooperation instrument at the Community level” (INTERREG). [21] The territorial cooperation is met in various forms (cross-border cooperation, interregional cooperation, transnational cooperation). This classification is based on the needs of regional and local authorities involved and the skills that these authorities have in relation to national ones. [8] Therefore, the links between two or more local and regional adjacent authorities from different but neighboring countries, defines cross-border cooperation. Such collaborations may be short-term (eg. a single project) or permanent indefinite-term (in order to solve complex problems). [8] The Euroregion is met as a permanent cross-border cooperation form, as an institution that implies private and public economical groups and ANNALS of the ORADEA UNIVERSITY. Fascicle of Management and Technological Engineering, Volume X (XX), 2011, NR1