EU COHESION POLICY: STRATEGIC INVESTMENT IN PEACE

Abstract

The cohesion policy of the European Union (EU) is a key mechanism of regional development aimed at reducing socio-economic disparities between countries and regions. It plays a decisive role in the formation of a stable and prosperous European space, going far beyond the purely economic dimension. As a strategic investment in peace, cohesion policies promote social cohesion, security, and effective public administration in Europe.

The study proves that investments in the development of regional infrastructure, support for small and medium-sized businesses, social integration, education, and increasing the institutional capacity of member states contribute to strengthening democratic institutions, reducing social tension, and preventing conflicts. Particular attention is paid to the impact of cohesion policy on migration policy, in particular, to measures to integrate migrants, to reduce economic and social incentives for unregulated migration, as well as to create favorable conditions for the return of refugees and forcibly displaced persons.

An analysis of the mechanisms for implementing cohesion policies, in particular the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Cohesion Fund (Cohesion Fund), shows their critical role in supporting regional development, ensuring effective public administration, strengthening innovation potential and adapting less developed regions to common EU standards. Particular emphasis is placed on the importance of this policy for candidate countries, in particular Ukraine. Given the current geopolitical challenges, including russia's military aggression and the need for post-war reconstruction, the involvement of cohesion policy mechanisms can become one of the key tools for stabilizing the economy, restoring public administration, and integrating Ukraine into the EU.

The results of the study confirm that the cohesion policy performs not only an economic but also a security function, acting as an instrument of preventive diplomacy. Its strategic impact lies in the formation of long-term peace, as it helps to equalize the level of well-being between regions, eliminates the prerequisites of social unrest, and increases confidence in European institutions.