Evolution of the concept of "Europe of the Regions" within the framework of the EU regional policy

The article covers the processes of the evolution of the EU regional policy within the framework of the concept of "Europe of the regions". The analysis of the peculiarities of the territorial and administrative system of the EU countries based on the nomenclature of territorial units for statistics - NUTS is made. The research has shown that Ukraine, as one of the largest in Europe, can have its territorial divisions within the framework of the NUTS, as well as national regions in places of compact residence of citizens of one ethnic group. The modification of the concept of "Europe of the Regions" was considered chronologically as a regional policy "from above" (1960-1980), "Europe of Regions" (1980-1990), "Europe with Regions" (1990-2000), "Europe for the Regions" (2000 -2010) and "local politics" (2010+). The content of economic actions, tendencies and theoretical approaches that are inherent to each stage are systematized. The author believes that the regional problems of the community were exacerbated because the idea of many founders of the EU was to form a universal European identity that diminished the role of national states and the significance of ethnic differences. The current strategic orientation at the local level is assessed as giving priority to diversity as a real European value, unlike homogeneity. It should become the key to meeting the ambitions of the community in each region, regardless of spatial, historical and national peculiarities, given that any locality has unused opportunities for development.