Cohesion Policy is inextricably linked to the future of the EU as a whole. A strong and effective policy arrangement could be vital for a strong and effective European Union. But we need to make the future Cohesion Policy even more effective. How?
- Firstly, the Cohesion Policy has to become more flexible in the next funding period, without impact on the strategic focus and planning certainty for regional and local authorities. We have to diminish the bureaucratic burden in the future so that the Cohesion Policy will be successful in the long-term.
- Secondly, the management of EU-funded projects for the post-2020 period needs to be drastically simplified. Its implementation is heavily overregulated and complicated now. In doing so, the principles of subsidiarity shall be applied more consistently than has previously been the case.
- Thirdly, the basic structure of Cohesion Policy with its three categories – most developed regions, transition regions, and less developed regions – is tried and tested and should, therefore be retained. It is precise and at the same time flexible enough to allow the inclusion of new challenges and priorities.
In a nutshell, Cohesion Policy needs to be more flexible by allowing operational investing priorities to target specific challenges as they emerge, such as migration, natural disasters, changes in demographics. It should allow easier access to funds, by reducing bureaucracy and shifting priorities to actual impact of projects. And it should be more connected, by strengthening the links to other EU policies.
Adopted: 11 May 2017
Alliance for the Future Cohesion Policy beyond 2020
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