Cohesion Policy in an Ever Larger Union

[Introduction]. Cohesion policy has gradually been introduced into the set of Community activities and, since the Maastricht Treaty, strengthening economic and social cohesion, has formally been defined as one of the objectives of the European Union. However, achieving this objective has also become more difficult over time as the Union expanded. The forthcoming eastward expansion of the Union further complicates the issue since it will involve a large number of relatively poor and agricultural countries.... It will be questioned whether the cohesion policy in an enlarged Union can remain an important facilitator of European integration