Assessment of Socio-Economic Transformations in The Border ‎Regions of Ukraine and Poland

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to examine the socio-economic transformations of the border regions of Ukraine and Poland in the context of ‎European integration processes, labor migration, and the impact of the war in Ukraine, as well as to assess the effectiveness of cross-border ‎cooperation and the use of EU financial instruments for regional development. The study analyzes the characteristics of these transformations, shaped by the interplay of economic policy, European integration, and migration trends. It shows that these regions act as important ‎hubs of economic and social interaction, reflecting differences in institutional capacity, labor markets, and investment potential. The research ‎demonstrates that Poland’s EU membership has ensured access to substantial financial resources, which have positively influenced the ‎development of its border voivodeships. In contrast, Ukrainian regions remain in a phase of economic convergence and have limited access to ‎similar support mechanisms. Labor migration is identified as a major factor driving transformation, affecting demographics, employment, ‎and social dynamics. The analysis confirms that Poland remains the primary destination for Ukrainian labor migration, generating both op-‎opportunities for economic growth and challenges related to workforce imbalances and adaptation in the labor market. Moreover, the war in ‎Ukraine has intensified these processes, putting additional pressure on Poland’s social systems and labor market. The study emphasizes that ‎cross-border cooperation is a key tool for the development of border regions; however, its implementation is uneven due to administrative ‎barriers and differences in strategic priorities between the countries. Despite the expansion of Ukrainian regions’ participation in European ‎programs, their ability to attract funding remains limited compared to their Polish counterparts. The research substantiates the need to develop effective regional development strategies aimed at reducing economic asymmetry and ensuring sustainable development within the ‎framework of Ukraine’s European integration‎.