About: EU cohesion policy
The cohesion imperative
At the start of 2021, we already know that European cohesion will be put to an unprecedented test. But if we remain focused, this crisis has the chance of being the one that makes Europe, instead of breaking it, writes Pawel Zerka.
Croatian islands need expertise to push green agenda forward
Cohesion policy is the most powerful tool at the EU's disposal for the fight against climate change, but border regions and islands need additional expertise to successfully implement the green transition, experts in Croatia have said.
MEPs worry about ‘funding gap’ for EU regions as talks press ahead
EU lawmakers want to ensure there is no financing gap between the next budgetary period for the policy that aims to reduce disparities between European regions, even if talks on the new regulation laying out the ground rules for the use of EU funds gets delayed.
Tackling migration through cohesion: what role for regions and civil society?
With the EU’s New Pact on Asylum and Migration presented recently, the issue of migration remains on the top of the agenda for decision-makers across the bloc. Though most often thought of as the competence of national governments, local and...
EP faces roadblocks as lawmakers push for quicker deployment of COVID-19 funds
Lawmakers on the European Parliament's regional development committee are keen to see a quicker deployment of funds for the mitigation of the immediate effects of the COVID-19 crisis but they face an uphill battle with the member states who propose less money and potentially longer procedures.
COVID-19 emergency makes EU budget deal more urgent than ever
The seriousness of the coronavirus outbreak makes hefty cuts to cohesion policy in the EU's next long-term budget all the more unjustified, writes Enrico Rossi, the governor of Italy's Tuscany Region.
In Portugal, 15 ‘cohesion countries’ call for stronger EU budget
Fifteen EU member states insisted on Saturday (1 February) that the EU budget for 2021-2027 should maintain the level of the previous one "in real terms". EURACTIV’s partner Lusa reports.
EU official: Interreg is an ‘engine’ of regional cooperation but needs simplification
Interreg, a flagship EU cohesion policy programme, is an important engine of cooperation and trust among countries, but to address ongoing challenges such as migration or Brexit, it needs to be simplified and better coordinated and have less red tape, a high-ranking EU official told EURACTIV.com.
Europe is better together: Franco-German Treaty shows the way
On 22 January 2019, in Aachen, Germany and France renewed their vows for enhanced cooperation among the two countries. This signature came 56 years after the first treaty that had been signed in Elysée, writes Ilona Raugze.
Looking back to move forward: Building trans-generational peace in Northern Ireland
Shay McArdle is 21 years old. He lives in Dundalk, Ireland, and has no idea what a hard border looks like or what it was like to live through the 'Troubles'. But he is committed to preserving the state of peace that he was born into.
EU Commission wants to support health systems better through structural funds
Many regions of Europe for poor medical care because there is a lack of doctors, money or infrastrcture. The Commission is now considering how the structural funds can help in a targeted way. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Environmental organisations ‘very disappointed’ with new ERDF Regulation
The European regional development fund currently amounts to €200 billion. German environmental organisations have criticised the fact that its new version sets the wrong priorities. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Study: Cohesion’s impact on local audiences still remains limited
Social outcomes in Cohesion policy remain relatively obscure for the general public compared to economic developments, a recent project study has found. In addition to that, the process of reaching local audiences remains a challenge for policymakers and organisations across the European regions.
Tsipras says CAP and regional policy cuts a ‘gift’ to anti-Europeans
Athens will oppose proposed cuts in the post-2020 agricultural and regional policy as this will be a “gift” to anti-EU populist forces, Greek premier Alexis Tsipras said on 13 December at the EU Council.
Of funds and values: Conditionality in EU cohesion policy
As the EU's multi-annual budget is being negotiated, the amounts and efficiency of spending matter but also priorities and European values when disbursing programmes. Smarter conditionality is needed, triggering less political backlash, and, where needed, direct payment to beneficiaries, argue Benedek Jávor and Laszlo Andor.
Study: EU regional policy influences how people vote
Voters who are aware of EU support in their region vote in larger number for pro-Europe politicians. However, EU structural funds remain largely unknown - and often inefficient. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Urban and rural disparities still a thorn in Europe’s regional development
Continuous depopulation of the EU's rural regions and interregional disparities remain a serious threat for the economic and demographic base of the EU regions in the future, stakeholders highlighted during a conference on territorial divergencies in the EU held in Brussels on Tuesday (27 November).
EU must look after regions, even if future funding is cut
European border regions matter and the EU must continue looking after them despite planned cuts for Cohesion policy funding, particularly as some of them remain under-developed, participants at a recent EURACTIV event said, highlighting the example of Romania-Bulgaria cross-border cooperation.
European funds: What next for the Polish economy?
European funds were one of the factors that helped Poland avoid the serious effects of the financial crisis. Negotiations on the new seven-year financial framework have already begun in the European Parliament. The outcome could have a major effect on how Poles vote in next May's elections.
Dependence on European funds worries Portuguese opposition
Portuguese MEPs José Manuel Fernandes (PSD) and Pedro Silva Pereira (PS) agree on the importance of European structural funds in public investment, although the former says it is "worrying" and the latter considers it "strategic". EURACTIV's media partner Lusa reports.
Portugal dominates RegioStars Awards with innovation, culture projects
Portugal was the big winner of the RegioStars awards 2018 in Brussels, a project promoting regional innovation, cohesion and culture in the EU, with two awards for its innovation in sustainable industrial technologies and the promotion of cultural heritage.
Palmieri: Final agreement on Cohesion is necessary before European elections
With the European Week of Regions and Cities starting on 8 September, the debate on Cohesion Policy and its future in the EU's long-term budget 2020 is at the forefront. The European Economic and Social Committee will play a determining role in the debate and the final agreement on the proposal.
How the EU’s Cohesion Fund can support the circular economy
The EU’s next Cohesion Fund for regional development should prioritise investments into waste management systems focused on prevention, re-use, separate collection and recycling – not on incineration, argues Janek Vahk.