No abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to conduct an analysis of spatial differentiation of the EU fund absorption of the programming period of 2007-2013 as well as the period of 2014- 2020 in its regional dimension, i.e. at the level of 380 districts in Poland. The article attempts to test a hypothesis according to which in Poland there exist significant spatial variations in using European funds. Design/methodology/approach: In order to specify the level of the socio-economic development of districts, the Hellwig method has been used, by means of which a synthetic measure of development has been construed. Moreover, the compilation has examined the correlation between the discrepancies between the socio-economic level in respective districts and the amount of the community funds used in specific regions. Findings: Based on the research conducted in this paper, one may conclude that the absorption of EU funds stemming from structural funds as well as the cohesion fund is highly spatially varied. In Poland, from the standpoint of districts, there are significant spatial discrepancies in the use of EU funds of the 2007-2013 as well as 2014-2020 financial perspective. Research limitations/implications: In the future, research can be extended to other countries. The research limitation may be, however, the availability of empirical data. Social implications: The results of the research may prove useful in the planning and redistribution of EU funds by central and local government in the new financial perspective 2021-2027 in Poland. Originality/value The article presents a new approach to research on the spatial differentiation of the absorption of EU funds using the Hellwig method and the relationship between the absorption of these funds and the change in the level of socio-economic development.

Prosumer energy is currently one of the main directions of agricultural development in Poland. Prosumer activity can bring many benefits, e.g.: ensure a stable energy supply, use waste generated by agricultural production, lower production costs, ensure social development. The aim of the article is to present the importance of prosumer energy in agricultural production to the development of rural community in accordance with the concept of sustainable development.