Poland´s accession to the EU in May 2004 is supposed to have positive long-term effects on the Polish economy. In the short-term it has considerably charged Polish companies with the burden of new costs and challenges linked to the EU accession, for instance adopting the EU´s environmental or quality standards. Particularly small and mediumsized, who are particularly sensitive to the changes in their business environment, struggle with the challenges of the EU accession and are seriously concerned by the increased competition on the internal market 1 . To cushion up these effects the EU supports Polish SMEs by means of different Community funds, whose legal basis can be found in Art. 130, 130a and 130b of the Treaty of Maastricht, stipulating that:
“In order to promote its overall harmonious development, the Community shall develop and pursue its actions in leading to the strengthening of its economic and social cohesion. [...] encouraging an environment favourable to initiative and to the development of undertakings throughout the Community, particularly small and medium-sized undertakings [...] The Community shall also support the achievement of these objectives by the action it takes through the Structural Funds (European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund, Guidance Section; European Social Fund; European Regional Development Fund), the
European Investment Bank and other existing financial instruments.”
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- INTRODUCTION.
- 1. EU DEFINITION OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANIES (SMES)
- 2. SMES IN POLAND: DEFINITION, NUMBER, ACTIVITIES
- 3. EU STRUCTURAL FUNDS FOR POLAND.
- 3.1. SECTORAL OPERATIONAL PROGRAM (SOP) FOR HIGHER COMPETITIVENESS OF POLISH SMES ACTING ON THE COMMON MARKET
- 3.2. RESTRICTIONS IN THE SOP FOR HIGHER COMPETITIVENESS OF POLISH BUSINESSES
- 3.3. POLISH INSTITUTIONS INVOLVED IN THE SOP FOR HIGHER COMPETITIVENESS OF POLISH SMES
- 4. CONCLUSION: POSSIBLE IMPACTS OF EU STRUCTURAL FUNDS FOR POLISH SMES
- REFERENCES
- INTERNET REFERENCES
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to explain how Polish SMEs can benefit from EU Structural Funds in the years 2004-2006, including the amount of funding available and the specific activities and investments supported. It will also discuss the process of obtaining EU funds for SMEs, highlighting the involvement of Polish institutions. The conclusion will address the potential impact of these structural funds on Polish SMEs.
- The definition and importance of SMEs in the EU and Poland
- The role of EU Structural Funds in supporting SMEs
- The specific programs and funds available to Polish SMEs
- The process of accessing EU funds for SMEs in Poland
- The potential impact of EU Structural Funds on Polish SMEs
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introduction provides context for the paper, emphasizing the importance of EU Structural Funds for Polish SMEs in the wake of Poland's accession to the EU. The paper highlights the challenges faced by Polish SMEs in adapting to EU standards and the need for support. The EU's commitment to supporting SMEs through various funds, such as the European Regional Development Fund, is emphasized. The paper then delves into the EU's definition of SMEs, followed by an overview of the situation of SMEs in Poland, including their number, activities, and economic significance.
Chapter 3 focuses on EU Structural Funds for Poland, outlining the different funds available and their specific objectives. The paper examines the European Regional Development Fund, highlighting its importance for Polish SMEs. It also discusses the process of negotiating and receiving Structural Funds, involving the preparation of a National Development Plan by each EU member state.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This paper focuses on the impact of EU Structural Funds on Polish SMEs. It analyzes the definition and role of SMEs in the EU and Poland, highlighting their significance for economic growth. Key themes include the EU's commitment to supporting SMEs, the specific programs and funds available, the process of accessing these funds, and the potential impact of EU Structural Funds on Polish SMEs.
- Quote paper
- Joanna Mastalerek (Author), 2005, The Impact of EU Structural Funds on Polish Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/34910
