EU Cohesion Policy and Cross-border Cooperation: Strategies for Sustainable Development of the Carpathian Region

The study presents the results of an analysis of the conceptual and applied foundations of European cohesion policy, which can be successfully tested in the context of Ukraine, particularly in the Carpathian Euroregion. It has been established that cohesion, interpreted as unity and solidarity, is not a natural process or an objective qualitative characteristic of society. On the contrary, according to the evolutionary theory of development or the dialectical approach, development is the result of struggle and contradictions. The Carpathian Euroregion holds significant importance in the context of sustainable development and cross-border cooperation, as highlighted through the examination of the European Union's cohesion policy. A comprehensive methodological framework was utilized to analyze this policy and its impact on fostering sustainable progress for both the EU and the Carpathian Euroregion. This framework incorporated general scientific and logical methods, including the historical method, analytical method, synthesis, induction, systemic method, generalization, and comparative analysis, which together provided a robust basis for analyzing the development, implementation, and broader context of EU regional policies and their application to the Carpathian Euroregion. In the face of growing environmental and social challenges at national and global levels, the strategic priority must be ensuring sustainable development through the integration and consolidation of efforts. Strengthening all forms of cohesion is crucial for addressing these issues effectively. For the Carpathian Euroregion, this means aligning with the EU’s cohesion policy priorities, which include innovation, environmental sustainability, unity, social inclusivity, and proximity to citizens. These principles should serve as strategic imperatives for regional policy in Ukraine, ensuring that the Carpathian Euroregion becomes a model of sustainable and integrated development.