Local and regional leaders from the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) and their counterparts from the European Parliament discussed the future of Cohesion Policy after 2027 with the newly appointed European Commission Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, Raffaele Fitto.
Reinforcing, reforming, and improving Cohesion Policy while ensuring the comprehensive involvement of local and regional authorities in its decision-making and implementation processes was the focus of the annual joint meeting between members of the Commission for Territorial Cohesion Policy and EU Budget (COTER) of the CoR and members of the Committee on Regional Development (REGI) of the European Parliament on 12 December.
In his first public appearance since taking office, EVP Raffaele Fitto joined the meeting to address representatives of EU territories and members of the European Parliament. EVP Fitto, a former member of both the REGI and COTER committees, stressed that the EU cannot progress without a strong Cohesion Policy that places regions at the centre through a place-based approach and multi-level governance. He emphasized that every European has the right to opportunities, regardless of where they live, including the right to stay in their home region. "Cohesion Policy must respond to challenges with tailor-made solutions, where regions and cities play a central role. "They must be in control of their own destinies," EVP Fitto said, highlighting that local actors are best placed to address unique regional needs and specificities.
While recognizing the need to simplify Cohesion Policy, participants opposed any potential centralization in the future. They called for the preservation of the policy’s "golden principles," such as shared management between European, national, and local authorities, and maintaining a place-based approach.
Furthermore, CoR members and MEPs underscored the importance of a long-term EU budget that prioritizes economic, social, and territorial cohesion beyond 2027, when the current budgetary period ends.
Key Interventions:
Emil Boc, Chair of the COTER Commission and Mayor of Cluj-Napoca said: “It is now more critical than ever to ensure we keep cohesion at the centre of European policymaking. Fostering inclusion through this policy is essential to counter euroscepticism and ensure a Europe where citizens enjoy both the freedom to move and the freedom to stay in the place they call ‘home.’”
Sari Rautio, EPP-CoR COTER Coordinator said: “The EPP believes Europe belongs to its citizens. That’s why a place-based approach must be at the heart of Cohesion Policy. Cohesion funds invest in local communities, driving growth and solidarity. Our responsibility is clear: keep cohesion a central pillar of the EU.”
Jesús Ángel Garrido Martínez, director general of Funds and Relations with the EU of the Government of La Rioja expressed that the COTER and REGI Committees should play an active role in negotiating Cohesion Policy for the new mandate, both in terms of its budget and goals. He called on the European Commission to develop a stronger legislative framework to protect the role of local and regional authorities (LRAs) in managing cohesion funds. Referencing Murcia, where the regional government has managed cohesion, recovery, and development funds since 1986, he emphasized that LRAs are best positioned to handle Cohesion Policy.
Adrian Teban, Mayor of Cugir highlighted that cohesion is the motor of development for towns and regions. For Cohesion Policy to fulfill its role, it must become more flexible and integrate a place-based approach. "A big city and a medium-sized city do not have the same needs," he noted, advocating for both interregional and intraregional policies. He concluded by stressing that LRAs must guarantee transparency to secure citizen support and avoid fueling euroscepticism.
Jan Klopman, Regional Minister of the Province of Flevoland: Stressed that local and regional authorities should not be punished if national authorities fail to meet certain criteria for specific funds. He provided the example of the Netherlands, where regions are at the center of cohesion policy."Centralization is counterproductive. Country-specific recommendations should take regional contexts into account. LRAs should be involved in European Semester negotiations with the European Commission to prevent the development of a 'one-size-fits-all' policy. This tailored approach is crucial to ensure innovation in the regions."
The discussions reinforced the collective commitment to ensuring a strong and adaptable Cohesion Policy that meets the diverse needs of Europe’s regions and cities, supporting inclusive and sustainable growth across the Union.