Est. 1min 17-07-2001 (updated: 07-11-2012 ) Euractiv is part of the Trust Project >>> Languages: Français | DeutschPrint Email Facebook X LinkedIn WhatsApp Telegram The informal regional Council reached a “wide ranging consenses” to maintain a strong policy of economic and social cohesion during its first debate on cohesion policy after 2006. The Council debate did not lead to any specific guidelines, but participants welcomed the start of the debate at an early stage as it is considered to be a complex and difficult one. According to Commissioner Barnier, during the debate three questions need to be answered on cohesion policy after 2006: are disparities in development acceptable? is a European policy for the regions necessary? is a real convergence useful? Read more with Euractiv MPs call for ad hoc body to monitor EU defence policyMPs call for ad hoc parliamentary body to monitor development of Common European Security and Defence Policy in bid to increase democratic accountability Subscribe now to our newsletter EU Elections Decoded Email Address * Politics Newsletters BackgroundThe debate follows the release of the Commission cohesion report on forms of aid, eligibility criteria etc. A second report on EU cohesion policy was published in January 2001, followed by a cohesion forum in May 2001. TimelineA report from the Commission on the beneficiaries of regional aid is expected this autumn. The Commission will organise ten thematic seminars on the ten priorities put forward in the cohesion report. In 2004 the Commission will present its proposals for regional policy after the end of the current programme period in 2006.
