Emil Boc, Mayor of Cluj-Napoca and rapporteur on the NRPP Fund Regulation, urged EU policymakers to anchor the role of cities and regions in binding legal provisions, warning that today’s choices will define what Europe looks like in 2035, with the new framework set to apply from 1 January 2028.
During a stakeholders meeting on the e NRPP Fund Regulation opnion he said: “The role of this debate is to think about what Europe looks like in 2035 if the proposal is put in place from 1 January 2028. This is the flavour of democracy—unity in diversity—hearing how each side sees Europe’s future.”

Boc stressed that cohesion policy delivers because of its proven foundations: “Cohesion policy is working—because of the golden principles: multilevel governance, partnership, shared management, and a place-based approach.” He added: “We must keep what is good and make better what is not working so well.”
Calling for concrete legislative safeguards, Boc underlined: “We all agree on a strong cohesion policy with a strong role for regions and cities—defined not just in words, but in concrete matters: preparation, implementation and evaluation.”

On territorial development, Boc highlighted a proposal for a simpler, stronger approach: “Instead of separate targets that create complexity, we call for a minimum 20% target in all Member States to support integrated territorial development strategies,” including ITI, CLLD, LEADER and other territorial tools “in urban and rural areas.”

He also warned against narrowing the scope of cohesion policy: “In the current proposal, for the first time since 2000, cohesion policy is not for all regions of the European Union. That is the reality in the text.” Boc concluded: “Our aim is to be sure cohesion policy is for all regions of the European Union. It’s a must in every Member State.”

Finally, Boc called for embedding a clear just transition objective in the new plan: “We are not proposing to reintroduce the Just Transition Fund as it is now,” he said. “We propose that the plan delivers the essential objective of supporting territories particularly affected by green, digital and demographic transitions.” He added: “Just transition is a fact in every corner of Europe—its scale differs, but it is present everywhere.”

Boc invited participants to bring forward practical experience: “We are interested in your concrete approach from the ground—because Europe is so diverse. We need as many faces of the plan as possible to succeed in the future.”
 

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