“Contrary to Putin’s regime which is based on centralization, fear and conflicts, our democracy is based on the rule of law, subsidiarity and strong, prosperous regions. We want to use our model to inspire neighboring countries to strengthen democracy.” Olgierd Geblewicz, President of the EPP Group in the European Committee of the Regions (EPP-CoR) made these remarks when addressing MEPs in Strasbourg during a meeting of the EPP Group in the European Parliament.
Geblewicz, who is President of West Pomerania Region added “Cities and regions are once again at the forefront of a crisis, this time facing the consequences of war in Ukraine. We are using our resources to host refugees and to send humanitarian aid to our counterparts in Ukraine. Solidarity in Europe has never been stronger!”
Cohesion Policy: A Success Story in Times of Challenge and a Look Beyond
Geblewicz also addressed the EPP-EP Cohesion Monitoring Group (CMG). The CMG was established as a format open to all EPP Members who are interested in how approximately one third of the EU budget is channeled towards investments, delivering the EU political priorities and strengthening the EU economic, social and territorial cohesion.
During his intervention, President Geblweicz said "One of the main reasons for the unprecedented acts of solidarity with Ukraine across Europe, is cohesion. Cohesion is the glue that keeps our Union together. Cohesion policy is present in every corner of Europe (as demonstrated by the hundreds of thousands of successful ESIF projects across Europe). That's why we must protect, preserve, cherish and advance Cohesion policy now and in the future."
Since 2014, Cohesion policy has been the largest source of direct EU budget investments in the real economy. In the 2021-2027 period, almost a third of the budget (EUR 330bn in 2018 prices) are set aside for cohesion investments in all EU regions and cities, aiming to support job creation, business competitiveness and economic growth, sustainable development and alleviation of the socio-economic costs of the climate transition.
He also spoke about the allocation of EU funds at the regional level that needs a profound evaluation by the European Commission restoring the essence and nature of Cohesion policy by serving the idea of convergence.
Cohesion Policy is one of the main tools for cities and regions in many areas such as digitalisation, energy, green transition or humanitarian aid. Geblewicz stressed "We need to ensure the energy security for our residents and, at the same time, mitigate the impacts of climate change. Both objectives should go hand in hand with a revised EU climate policy (European Green Deal) that relies more on renewable energy and green technologies.”
Referring to the current situation in Ukraine and the refugees that are fleeing the war he said "Local and regional authorities must be given direct access to EU funds in order to provide immediate response to the critical situation with the refugees on the ground so that delays caused by national authorities are avoided."