Rola miast w strategiach i procesach rozwojowych UE

THE ROLE OF CITIES IN THE EU’S STRATEGIES AND DEVELOPMENT PROCESSES: AN EXAMPLE OF POLISH COASTAL CITIES The aim of this article is to identify the role of cities in the process of Europeanisation. Particular attention is paid to relatively under-researched local entities, such as coastal cities, which primarily fulfil functions related to the environment, spatial planning, housing, tourism and logistics. The article highlights the growing role of cities in the Europeanisation process, influenced by both internal (top-down, bottom-up) and external (ad extra) factors. The research objective was achieved by using the Multi-Level Governance (MLG) concept and research methods specific to the social sciences, including historical (logographic) and civilisation studies (spiral development), as well as new institutionalism in a sociological context. The operationalisation of these approaches was carried out using Griffinger’s concept (smart cities) and the SDG paradigm, in particular Goal 11 (Sustainable cities and communities).