The European Union (EU) has been facing multiple crises recently, e.g. migratory crisis, structural crisis etc. Thus, the process of European integration is at a crossroads. In such turbulent times the questions of common values, standards and their place in the policies have arisen. In the paper, the main focus is put on the analysis of the place of EU values in the Cohesion Policy and impact of current socio-economic challenges on its future shape. The paper is of analytical character and it is based on secondary data, legislation and track of the integration process based on press-releases complemented by author’s participation in the process of implementation of the policy in Poland (advisory role to the executive bodies, expertise etc.). Therefore, this article may be treated as a policy-debate paper.

The Polish transition from coal-based manufacturing to renewable oriented society is particularly challenging. However, climate change poses not only a threat but also an opportunity to conduct ecological modernisation and develop a more low-carbon economy. The aim of the paper is to analyse and assess the role of EU cohesion policy in mobilising actions towards low-carbon economy in Poland. The paper is based on a literature review and data analysis. Poland has allocated around EUR 4 billion in 2007–2013 and EUR 11.5 billion between 2014–2020 to cohesion policy for the support of a shift towards low-carbon economy in all sectors. Such significant resources have caused the mobilization of regional authorities towards activities for a low-carbon economy. The municipalities’ low-carbon economy plans are the best example. Although there is no statutory obligation to create such plans, most of the Polish municipalities have done it. Even if the quality of these plans varies, they still are an important precondition for building low-carbon economy and improving the air quality in Poland.

In this article, certain aspects of the European Union’s (EU) approach to funding regional development projects are discussed. The purpose of each EU fund and the projects EU is financing as well as the criteria for countries to apply for a fund are also mentioned? It focuses on the EU regional policy, plan of EU for and equality among EU member states and the willingness for the strategic and effective development of less developed EU member states. More specifically the Cohesion Policy (CP) is discussed, together with its role in the EU, including its objectives, philosophy, criteria, and projects. CP is funding projects to promote environmentally sustainable and infrastructure projects. According to CP the development infrastructure boosts socioeconomic cohesion, which is key in the establishment of a control mechanisms and tackling operational weaknesses. Finally, the case study of “Ionia Odos” (or Greece A5 motorway) is analysed, as a typical example of infrastructure investment under the CP.