Interview: EU regional funds to help tackle globalisation[fr][de] 

"It is important to bear in mind that in Europe we have the process of decentralisation, with more and more public investment going to the regional or local level," Hübner said, adding that this adjustment will pose a challenge for the EU. 

She expressed her desire to see regional and local authorities participate more in the Union's discussions on the future of regional policy. Hübner said that the Commission was in the process of discussing the issue with the member states and had been publicly consulting with all the regions and various stakeholders. 

Despite criticism over expenditure on 'ill-perceived projects' (EurActiv 26/02/08), Hübner hailed the readjustment of the funds to address today's challenges, for instance renewable energies. 

She also praised the member states' decision to link 75% of all European cohesion policy funds to the goals of the Lisbon agenda, which would help contribute to growth, jobs, competitiveness and the economy in Europe, Hübner said. 

Asked whether there would be enough money for the ambitious goals of the funds in the future, Hübner replied that the most important thing to do together was "decouple the substance from the money". 

"First, we have to define the new common challenges in the future, and then – probably the next Commission – has to decide on how much money we can spend for this policy," Hübner said. 

The Slovenian Presidency will hold a conference on the future of cohesion policy on 7-8 April. 

To read the interview with Commissioner Hübner in full, please click here.