Since its establishment, the European Union has been focusing on the elimination of the eco­nomic, social and territorial disparities between its regions, without taking into account national boundaries and by constantly trying to identify effi­cient measures, this being the main purpose of the current cohesion policy. Over time, the results of this policy reforms have been analyzed in numer­ous reports at the EU level, which pointed out that the legislative framework has not demonstrated its full effectiveness so far, highlighting impediments such as the lack of flexibility, accessibility, stability and coherence of legislation and excessive ad­ministrative burdens. This made the processes of absorption and implementation of European funds, essential for the harmonious development of the EU regions, profoundly difficult.

The present article analyzes the new propos­als for EU Cohesion Policy from a simplification perspective, detailing issues referring to a more strategic programming, strengthened rules for territorial instruments, simplified rules on man­agement and audit and an increased support for the administrative capacity of the Member States. While the new Cohesion Policy reform reflects a modernized and simplified regulatory framework and a more strategic and focused approach, the success of the new legislation depends heavily on its end-to-end adoption at EU level and on its im­plementation in Member States.