SPATIAL differentiation OF ABSORPTION OF EU FUNDS FROM OPERATIONAL PROGRAMS 2007-2013 (2015) IN THE LUBLIN VOIVODESHIP. ANALYSIS AT MUNICIPAL LEVEL

The aim of this study was to determine the spatial differentiation of absorption of structural funds from operational programs implemented in 2007-2013 by the beneficiaries of local municipalities of the Lublin Province. The study was based on data of GUS (Central Statistical Office), SIMIK (Information System of Monitoring and Control), Ministry of Infrastructure and Development and the National Court Register. Results of the analysis indicate a very large differentiation in the absorption of EU financing analyzed per 1 inhabitant (from 0 to 18798 PLN) and different structure of surveyed municipalities according to the criterion of the volume of acquired funding. Local beneficiaries from over 50% of researched municipalities have acquired funding worth less than 1000 PLN per 1 inhabitant, and less than 8% of municipalities have acquired over 5,000 PLN. Spatial differentiation of absorption of EU funds from operational programs 2007-2013 specified for the province of Lublin indicates an increased acquisition of these measures by local beneficiaries in urban and semi-urban areas with a relatively large population and population density, and acting in their environment the role of administrative centers and service-trade centers