Title: The role and significance of regional policy in Europe
Abstract: The EU regional policy has been formed with the intention to reduce regional disparities, foster balanced development and promote equal opportunities for all.The aim of this paper is to present the evolution of regional policy and its assumptions since the 1950s.The article comprises synthesis and evaluation of the role and significance of regional policy regarding the functioning of Europe's regions struggling with social, economic and environmental issues.The study was based on materials examining the subject of regional policy in Europe, with special attention to Poland's case, revealing its strengths and weaknesses.