The aim of the paper is to identify the relevant variables in specified EU territory and time, which contributed to detection of territorial disparities, and its consequences within the structural constraints of the analysed area. Spatial autocorrelation statistics detect the presence of interdependence between the values of data at neighbouring locations. Paper presents the results of spatial analysis that identify the problem-ridden and developed territories within the EU based on the

more »

... ristics of those which describe driving forces of competitiveness, also in terms of long-term potentiality, and those which are direct or indirect outcomes of a competitive society and economy.