During the opening session of the EU regions week, members of the EPP Group in the European Committee of the Regions (EPP-CoR) and young elected politicians outlined the vital role cohesion policy plays in responding to crisis and to address challenges and inequalities.
Emil Boc, Chair of the COTER Commission, European Committee of the Regions, and Mayor of Cluj-Napoca (Romania) said "The future of cohesion policy is the future of the EU. The cost of non-cohesion is the cost of non-Europe. We need cohesion policy to make a balanced development. We have to avoid fragmentation of cohesion policy to achieve the aim of cohesion."
Apostolos Tzitzikostas, President of Central Macedonia Region (Greece) said "Whilst we welcome flexibility to tackle new challenges, Emergency management should not become the new normal for cohesion policy as many regions are still lagging behind."
Radim Sršeň, Mayor of the Municipality of Dolní Studénky and Deputy Minister of Regional Development (Czech Republic) said "The 8th cohesion report shows that rural areas are left behind. Crises made rural areas more vulnerable but every crisis brings opportunity. This is a great opportunity for transformation and rural revival. However, we need a new approach to rural development policies taking into account all funds, policies and instruments, foster rural-urban linkages, use an integrated place based approach as well as use innovative tools such as rural proofing and smart villages."
Hugo Huet, Local councillor of Asnières (France) highlighted the importance of developing a Health Union that fully engages regions, the importance of involving the regions in environmental policy and the need to take into account youths in all policies.
Karina Mikelsone, Local councillor of Adazi (Latvia) said "In solidarity we keep faith that we will achieve a common future." Giving an example she referred to a partnership memorandum being signed with Slobozhanske in Ukraine to share the experience of the municipality in preparing for EU accession and to strengthen democracy.