A debate on cohesion policy marked the official opening of the 18th European Week of Regions and Cities. Speaking at the debate was Jelena Drenjanin, deputy mayor of the municipal council of Huddinge and Vice-President of the EPP-CoR.
Sharing her experience since the pandemic reached Europe, Drenjanin noted that the high level of digital skills in Sweden was important for citizens, who even if isolated could still order food and medicine and get them delivered to their door. She highlighted that the municipality held a good dialogue with businesses who were hit hard by the pandemic and supported them by reducing ground rent charges.
Speaking about the importance of cohesion policy, Drenjanin said "cohesion policy is an important policy for a successful recovery after this difficult time, it is our own Marshall Plan". Drenjnain said that while the enemy is invisible the consequences are visual and include unemployment, isolation, loneliness and mental illnesses.
Speaking about the economy Drenjanin emphasised on the need to work together to find new solutions. "The new investments that we will do, digitalisation and the green economy will be crucial to rebuild Europe. We have to reinvent how we work. We have a great opportunity but we need to build on core industries, innovation and knowledge." she added.
Apostolos Tzitzikostas Governor of the region of Central Macedonia and President of the European Committee of the Regions said Cohesion is not just money but a fundamental EU value. It helped regions and cities during the crisis and will help us with our recovery. It protects citizens, is tackling the pandemic and building sustainable resilient communities leaving no person or place behind.
Elisa Ferreira, EU Commissioner for cohesion and reforms said that cohesion policy is anchored with values: Europe does not leave people or regions behind. On the recovery plan Ferreira said that Europe needed investments, not expenditure. She insisted that local communities should be at the core of the planning of programmes and projects. "We must use future cohesion policy investments wisely. We cannot look to the future and reproduce the past. We have shown this year what we can do in crisis. We must show next year how we build a green, digital economy in a European way - which leaves no region behind."