Reporting website
of the European Week of Regions and Cities
| 2017
Territorial cohesion in the ‘Brexit era’
The workshop opened with an introduction from former BBC journalist Rick Thompson, who introduced the speakers and explained that the term ‘Brexit era’ was coined in relation to being symptomatic of a bigger, more nationalist movement in the EU. Eduardo Medeiros, an expert in territorial cooperation then discussed the definition of territorial cohesion, focusing on the historical and geographical context of the ‘Brexit era’. He emphasised that cohesion policy was not meant to be an investment in GDP, economic growth, or job creation but instead in development and ultimately, cohesion. The Dutch MEP Lambert van Nistelrooij then gave his analysis of the changes in the EU and its effects on cohesion policy. He brought a political perspective to issues regarding communication and governance. Following the MEP, the director from Interreg North-West Europe, Ruut Louwers, gave the point of view of someone who implements cohesion policy. He reiterated several points regarding the difference between using cohesion policy as an investment tool for growth, and using it to reduce disparities and create cohesion. Pauline Caumont, executive secretary of CPMR Atlantic Arc Commission, explained the background of CPMR as an extensive network at regional level and presented territorial and thematic examples illustrating projects with a clear impact on territories. Perrine Ethuin, project manager at Energy Cities, then gave an overview of the perspective from cities, illustrating examples such as the Heatnet project. She showcased the technical nature of the project and emphasised the specific expertise needed that would be hard to obtain without collaboration across borders. After the presentations from the experts, the debate began and the discussion covered themes such as ensuring a clearer visual identity for the EU, as well as having a clear vision for regional development. Additionally, the debate included the theme of governance, with suggestions regarding giving money directly to programmes and a question on whether the final decision on funding should be given to Member States or to programmes themselves. Each speaker was then given the opportunity to give three headlines for the future. Speakers reiterated the need for cooperation on cohesion policy in the future, but also made points regarding communication, multi-governance structures, keeping the project perspective in mind and flexibility. The conclusions of the debate were as follows: • Where several instruments have the same aim or overlap, they should be merged to prevent confusion and competition. • Interreg should be revised to remove geographical and governance barriers in order to achieve the strongest possible social and economic impact. • Cooperation projects clearly achieve tangible results that build territorial cohesion and enhance citizens’ European identity. However, there should be a clearer mission and more ambition for territorial cooperation with mainstreaming in all regional programmes.
Take away message
Conclusions of the debate:
• Where several instruments have the same aim or overlap, they should be merged to prevent confusion and competition.
• Interreg should be revised to remove geographical and governance barriers in order to achieve the strongest possible social and economic impact.
• Cooperation projects clearly achieve tangible results that build territorial cohesion and enhance citizens’ European identity. However, there should be a clearer mission and more ambition for territorial cooperation with mainstreaming in all regional programmes.
  • Regions & cities as change agents

    Regions & cities as change agents

Code

10B38

Day

October 10

Organiser(s)

Chair

Speakers

  • Eduardo Medeiros, Professor, Lisbon University, Portugal
  • Lambert van Nistelrooij, Member of Parliament, European Parliament, The Netherlands
  • Pauline Caumont, Executive Secretary, Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions of Europe (CPMR) Atlantic Arc Commission, Belgium
  • Ruut Louwers, Director, Interreg North-West Europe, France
  • Perrine Ethuin, Project Manager, Energy Cities, Belgium