During a CoR COTER Commission meeting, members discussed the results of the 8th Cohesion Report and the priorities of DG REGIO in the field of cohesion policy for 2022. They also held an exchange of views on the state of economic, social and territorial cohesion in their territories and shared their first hand experiences on the preparation of the new cohesion policy programmes with the European Commission.
Marc Lemaître, Director-General for Regional and Urban Policy at the European Commission stated "Cohesion policy provided much needed and very swift support to regional and local authorities in the midst of economic slowdowns and the worst crisis of recent times. It has made a difference for many EU regions and people. It has helped them invest in a more sustainable and balanced growth, with long term benefits. It has supported physical and digital infrastructure, education and training, SMEs, and the green transition."
Emil Boc, Mayor of Cluj-Napoca said "The 2021-2027 programming period offers more instruments, more opportunities and more investment possibilities than ever before. In particular, European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) continue to play a crucial role in creating jobs, encouraging social inclusion, making the green and digital transition more inclusive."
Boc, who is the EPP-CoR COTER Coordinator added "The added value of the Cohesion policy is undisputable! We want to consolidate and make Cohesion Policy stronger! Cohesion is not just a technical tool. Cohesion has grown to become one of the fundamental values of our European Union, therefore it must be at the heart of every policy action in the European Union!"
Sari Rautio, Chair of Board of Hämeenlinna, pointed out that Cohesion Policy is about the people: "When we design and implement Cohesion Policy, we should always having in mind the people in first place. That is what makes Europe what it is."
Ivan Zagar, Mayor of the Municipality of Slovenska Bistrica, talked about the lack of innovation in the less developed regions: "Slovenia is facing brain drain and economic difficulties in its regions. We would like to improve the quality of life for our citizens and we need the Cohesion Policy to build the proper infrastructure for the digital transformation." Both, Emil Boc and Ivan Zagar stated: "We must make sure that we change from brain drain to brain gain."
During the meeting, CoR members agreed to organise two study visits depending on the COVID-19 situation developments. Bernd LANGE (DE) was entrusted to organize a study visit in Görlitz, Saxony (Germany), in June 2022 on 'Structural change in the DE/PL/CZ tri-border region: what socio-economic perspective for a just transition to climate neutrality?' Alberto CIRIO (IT/EPP), was entrusted to organize a study visit in Alba, Piemonte (Italy) on 'Urban areas towards the energy transition: sustainable mobility and cycle paths - Piedmontese cities and the Langhe area.'