Europe stands at a turning point. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has permanently changed Europe’s security landscape. Geopolitical tensions and trade conflicts are intensifying global competition. The energy transition, climate change and biodiversity loss, demographic change and social cohesion all require decisive action. Rarely have Europeans had to confront so many fundamental changes at the same time.

These challenges can only be addressed together. They require a European Union that is capable of acting. They demand more joint European action that creates genuine European added value.

Crises understandably create pressure for faster decision-making. That is precisely why an intense debate is now underway on the preparation of the European Union’s next Multiannual Financial Framework. The European Commission has proposed merging well-functioning regional policy funding programmes into national plans. At first glance this may seem like simplification, but in reality it risks dismantling the foundations of the EU’s cohesion policy and weakening its roots at local and regional level.

Cohesion policy is one of the EU’s most important policies. Citizens do not encounter Europe first in Brussels. They see Europe where new railways are built, schools are modernised, city centres revitalised, flood protection improved or innovation centres established. For democracy itself, it is also essential that Europe is visible on the ground.

This success is based on the fact that regions and municipalities take responsibility. They know their own economic, social and geographical characteristics. They know what infrastructure is needed, where vocational skills are lacking, or which local businesses need support.

Europe’s strength lies precisely in its diversity. Innovation emerges in industrial clusters, universities and SMEs. Competitiveness grows when people are able to develop their own strengths—not when identical solutions are imposed everywhere.

“If regions weaken, the distance between the EU and its citizens grows.”

Reforming the EU budget is essential. Because Europe requires greater investment in security and defence, innovation, competitiveness, energy supply and responding to climate change, the European Union also needs more financial resources. Europe cannot do more with less. New priorities can only be achieved if additional resources are provided and our shared objectives are promoted through well-designed investments.

At the same time, it is crucial to ensure that cohesion policy continues to respond to the different needs of different regions. This is precisely what creates economic strength, social cohesion and Europe’s visibility on the ground.
Democracy lives close to citizens. If regions and municipalities are weakened, the distance between the European Union and its citizens increases. Europe’s future is bright if each of us plays our part: the European Union, the Member States, the regions and the municipalities.

Kata Tüttö
President of the European Committee of the Regions
Member of the Budapest City Assembly

Sari Rautio
President of the EPP Group in the European Committee of the Regions
Chair of the Regional Council of Häme (National Coalition Party)
 

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