Paper to discussion on focus of cohesion policy and its territorial dimension

The process of strategy shaping for EU programming period 2007-2013 was fi nished at both EU and member states level. Now aft er presentation of the Fourth cohesion report it is time to open broad discussion at European and national level regarding to nature of next generation policy (beyond 2013 horizon). Th ere are two main processes with critical influence on thematic priorities of cohesion policy and possible ways of implementation (as the system and nature of operation programmes). The first trend emerged in 2005/2006 years was linked to use the cohesion policy as a vehicle for delivery Lisbon actions; the economic and social cohesion policy became the most important channel for implementation relaunched Lisbon strategy at EU level. We can anticipate continuation of this trend also in coming programming period. But next stage of lisbonising will open question regarding to relate between cohesion and other EU policies on one side ? particularly with activities grouped under 1A subheading of financial perspective, on other side between cohesion interventions in countryside and contributions of agricultural policy to activities in rural areas. Another important innovation is declaration of the territorial cohesion as the third pillar of cohesion policy (now also incorporated into reform treaty). The understanding of this issue is still varied and we can see diff erent interpretation of this principle in EU documents and national statements. There is series of potential obstacles that may threat process of shaping universal comprehensive methodology at the EU level.