Abstract
The aim of this article is twofold. First, to discuss some of key challenges for the future design of EU cohesion policy and to propose several possible options for enhancing the effectiveness of this policy, in particular, how to streamline the delivery system of cohesion policy in the future.
Nevertheless, the argument that a large portion of bureaucracy is of “national origin”, i.e., is not required by EU Regulations, is presented. Therefore, a proposal to set up dedicated national task forces for simplifying the delivery system itself, as used within the current programming period has been forwarded.
The second aim is to contribute to the debate concerning key points of the Barca Report, as this document appears to be a milestone document in debate on the future design of EU cohesion policy. In spite of some weaknesses, the article argues that the Report offers valuable proposals concerning the future design of EU cohesion policy.