Cohesion policy impact on poverty and social inclusion in EU Member States at regional level

Cohesion Policy has been a fundamental pillar of European Union integration, aimed at reducing disparities among Member States and promoting social and economic cohesion. This paper analyses the relationship between Cohesion Policy and its impact on poverty and social inclusion within EU Member States, focusing on regional-level dynamics. Drawing on a review of the literature, it highlights the multifaceted ways in which Cohesion Policy interventions shape socio-economic deprivation, considering the value and structure of fund allocation, types of regions and the role of market and post-market factors. The results indicate a small but significant contribution of Cohesion Policy in the reduction of poverty and social exclusion through the general improvement of the regional situation rather than specific intervention in the field of social policies. However, the impact of Cohesion Policy and its instruments proved to be not significant in improving the situation at regional labour markets, which too much great extent, are dependent on regional economic growth and national social policies. This corroborates the results of some other recent research and supports the changes in the orientation of Cohesion Policy towards preventing social and material exclusion.