Don't centralise, but modernise cohesion policy

“The EU's Cohesion policy is key to developing the regions in the EU but has to be adapted to today’s growing challenges such as demographic change, the green and digital transitions, rural development, or the needs of urban areas. We need a cohesion policy that is more flexible, simplified and capable of responding swiftly in times of crisis,” says EPP Group MEP Jacek Protas, lead negotiator, ahead of the debate and vote of the ninth parliamentary report on the current state of social, economic and territorial cohesion in the EU.

The EPP Group emphasises that the core principles of cohesion policy - bottom-up approach, multi-level governance, and grounded in respect for the rule of law - are fundamental to its effectiveness and must be strengthened, not weakened.

Moreover, Protas strongly criticised any attempt to centralise cohesion policy. “It would be a strategic mistake. Decisions must be taken as close as possible to citizens and their regions. Fast, effective, and fair: this is the cohesion policy Europe needs for the future."

The Parliament's report also underlines the urgent need to provide enhanced support for border regions along the EU’s eastern frontier, which are under extraordinary pressure due to Russia’s war against Ukraine. “We need dedicated and flexible cohesion tools to safeguard and support the stability, resilience, development and deeper integration of the EU’s eastern border areas. Investing in these regions is not just a matter of fairness; it is imperative for the security and cohesion of the entire Union,” Protas concluded.

Following today’s debate, the plenary of the European Parliament will vote on the report on Thursday.