"Cohesion policy is a major instrument for promoting social, economic and territorial cohesion and solidarity among different regions. As a major investment policy, it is one of the Union's most important achievements.
The new proposal contains some positive provisions to adapt the financing to future needs. It is also worth welcoming 80 measures for easier use of funds. However, macroeconomic conditionality and increasing the burden of co-financing on countries and regions are not a solution to current problems.
Moreover, it will only further impede regions with smaller budgets from applying for projects, which need funds the most. A greater degree of decentralization and flexibility and stronger capacity of public administration in project preparation and implementation are needed. The future of cohesion and regional development funds depends on the budget.
The uncertainty of BREXIT and the refusal of some Members to allocate additional resources should not jeopardize the objectives of cohesion policy. I support the work of the rapporteur and thank him for his appreciation of Article 174, by which the islands are directly included in the proposal", Picula said during his speech on Cohesion policy in the European Parliament.
