Background: The European Committee of the Regions aims to play a proactive role in shaping the role of the private sector in the cohesion policy post-2027. As the EU’s main investment instrument to strengthen economic, social, and territorial cohesion, cohesion policy must adapt to a fiscally constrained context while maintaining competitiveness. The CoR plans to issue early political recommendations during the initial negotiations on the upcoming legislative package. Cohesion policy is one of the CoR’s three priorities for 2025-2030. The related Resolution
stresses the need for new resources and incentives to attract private capital. Local and regional authorities are central in designing and implementing these measures, ensuring that private sector participation is optimised, including through EU-backed debt and equity products. The European Commission is preparing proposals for the next financial framework. This opinion will provide timely input, ensuring LRAs' perspectives are reflected in future cohesion policy.
Timetable:
- Exchange of views in the COTER commission: 7 October 2025
- Adoption in the COTER Commission Meeting: 1 December 2025
- Adoption in the plenary session: first 2026 plenary session