During today’s meeting of the Commission for Territorial Cohesion Policy and EU Budget (COTER), EPP-CoR members led debates and advanced crucial opinions shaping the future of Europe’s cohesion and investment policies.
The discussions focused on the future Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the role of the private sector in cohesion policy post-2027, and the appointment of new EPP rapporteurs to guide upcoming legislative work.
The future EU budget must strengthen European unity
During the debate on the opinion “Multiannual Financial Framework including the Own Resources Package,” rapporteur Sari Rautio (FI/EPP) underlined that the future EU budget must strengthen European unity, democracy, and regional cohesion, rather than weaken them.
“This is about more than money. The debate on the Multiannual Financial Framework is not only about funding — it is about democracy and European unity,” said Rautio, Member of Hameelinna City Council.
She warned that shifting from regional programmes to centralised national plans could undermine cohesion, multi-level governance, and citizens’ trust, calling instead for a framework that maintains partnership, agility, flexibility, and a place-based approach.
Ivan Žagar (SI/EPP), Mayor of Slovenska Bistrica, cautioned that changes must move in the right direction for regions and cities: “Yes, we need change. But these changes should bring us development and prosperity. Cohesion has worked well and should build on its solid experience — not be made to pay a high price.”
Emil Boc (RO/EPP), Mayor of Cluj-Napoca, echoed the call to protect cohesion policy as a pillar of European unity: “A Union that does not invest in its cohesion is preparing for its own division. We must do everything we can to preserve multi-level governance, the partnership principle, and the place-based approach — they are the keys to moving forward.”
Rafał Trzaskowski (PL/EPP), Mayor of Warsaw, added: “We cannot hide the fact that the European Union is in a crisis, and many citizens are questioning its relevance. Centralisation cannot be the answer. If we truly want to invest in democracy and renew citizens’ ownership of the European project, we must strengthen regions and cities — not national states.”
Radim Sršeň (CZ/EPP), Member of the Local Assembly of Dolní Studénky, shared the Czech perspective “In the Czech Republic, cities and regions are cautiously optimistic. We have a strong tradition of territorial dimension and effective use of territorial instruments, and we believe this must be safeguarded in the upcoming negotiations.”
Exploring the role of the private sector in reinforcing cohesion policy post-2027
The debate also focused on the opinion “Exploring the role of the private sector in reinforcing cohesion policy post-2027,” presented by rapporteur Kristoffer Tamsons (SE/EPP), Member of the County Council of the Stockholm Region.
“This opinion is a strategic opportunity for the European Committee of the Regions to take a proactive stance on the future role of the private sector in cohesion policy post-2027. Our aim is to ensure that local and regional authorities are not just beneficiaries, but full partners in shaping Europe’s next generation of regional investment,” Tamsons said.
He underlined that private-sector engagement is essential to boost innovation, investment, and resilience across EU regions: “Public–private cooperation in cohesion policy must be strategic, not symbolic. Every euro of EU funding should be matched by know-how, investment, and accountability to deliver real results for citizens — and this can only happen with the active, constructive voice of Europe’s local and regional authorities.”
New rapporteurs appointed and next COTER external meeting confirmed
The EPP will continue to play a central role in shaping future cohesion policy.
María Guardiola Martín, President of the Regional Government of Extremadura (ES/EPP), was appointed rapporteur for the “ERDF including ETC and CF Regulation”, which supports investments in a smarter, greener, more connected, and more social Europe.
The Extremadura Region was also chosen to host the next external COTER meeting in 2026.
In addition, Emil Boc (RO/EPP), Mayor of Cluj-Napoca, was appointed co-rapporteur for the opinion on the “European Fund for Economic, Social and Territorial Cohesion, Agriculture and Rural, Fisheries and Maritime Prosperity and Security (NRPPs Fund Regulation)”