Monitoring the results of the European Union (EU) cohesion policy is important for successful implementation and the necessary adjustments that should contribute to better achievement of economic, social and territorial cohesion. The EU, as a diverse integration, faces a number of challenges that affect public opinion. The subject of this paper is related to the analysis of the perception of EU cohesion policy. The aim of this thesis is to present the importance of studying the perception of EU cohesion policy. In addition, the paper seeks to analyze in more detail the results of the assessment of the perception of cohesion policy, based on examination of the public opinion in EU member states and to determine whether it has changed. The paper consists of six chapters. After the introduction, the second chapter analyzes the basic features of cohesion policy. The third chapter presents chosen results of the implementation of the EU cohesion policy, followed by the chapter about the examination of the public opinion in the EU, while the fifth chapter presents the investigations of the EU cohesion policy perceptions in the EU and Croatia. The conclusion is presented in the sixth chapter. Based on the research, the results imply on the rising awareness about the EU regional policy and positive perception. In Croatia, as at the EU level, the respondents recognized the importance of investing in education, health and social policy. According to the author, it is necessary to make citizens more familiar with the available opportunities and funds, as well as with the benefits of the EU cohesion policy, to achieve a higher contribution.