Keep regional development at the heart of EU action

The EPP Group calls for a flexible cohesion policy that can adapt to challenges on the ground, especially demographic change, and insists these priorities must be reflected in the EU’s long-term budget.

“EPP is the Group of regions, cities and rural areas as those are the starting points for economic growth, social prosperity and resilience. Therefore, the next generation regional policy must include shared management, multi-level governance, place-based approach and predictability of cohesion investments,” says Andrey Novakov MEP, the EPP Group Spokesman on Regional Development, as the European Parliament debates today the role of the EU's future cohesion policy in strengthening rural areas.

The EPP Group underlines that cohesion policy has been indispensable in promoting economic and social convergence across the EU, as well as fostering cross-border territorial cooperation. Rural areas, cities and regions must continue to lie at the heart of EU cohesion policy.

For the EPP Group, local authorities, civil society, and regional stakeholders involvement in the design, programming and implementation of EU cohesion policy is non-negotiable. “Reforms of the policy must get the green light from EU regions and mayors. They should have veto power against unfavourable changes. EPP Group is there to push for user-friendly policies and to put a human face to regulations,” Novakov added.

The EPP Group insists that cohesion policy must retain its clear identity and strong visibility within the next long term EU budget (Multiannual Financial Framework). Cohesion policy must remain a dedicated priority with sufficient funding and strategic focus to support balanced development across all regions.