Debat met eurocommissaris Hahn over cohesiebeleid en regionale fondsen (en)
The EC Representation in Berlin and Open Europe Berlin jointly organised a debate on EU regional policy as an investment and growth policy in the current crisis. Titled "EU Regional Policy: a Motor for Growth or a Waste of Money?" the lunchtime debate at the EC Representation was attended by a wide audience including representatives from NGO's, ministries, parliamentarians, journalists and academics.
The debate primarily reflected on the new reformed cohesion policy that is currently being finalised and the relevance of regional funds for all Member States and regions in Europe including richer countries.
Commissioner Hahn i explained that the new programming of the structural funds as from 2014 responds to the call for a more effective and streamlined regional policy by focusing the projects on the 2020 Growth and Jobs Strategy. In addition, the new approach to regional policy means that the spending is much more linked to specific conditions. Cohesion policy is also gradually shifting from an infrastructure oriented policy to an investment policy stimulating economy. Commissioner Hahn was also very clear that a limitation of structural support to the weakest regions is out of question. "We need the funding in all EU regions in order to guarantee a widespread 2020 strategy implementation", Hahn said.
A new background paper "EU Cohesion Policy, Contributing to Employment and Growth in Europe" was also being launched in Berlin.
For further information:
Background paper "EU Cohesion Policy: Contributing to Employment and Growth in Europe"
Debate on "EU Regional Policy: a Motor for Growth or a Waste of Money? (DE)
Q&A on the legislative package for EU Cohesion Policy 2014-2020