Members of the #CohesionAlliance
– the EU-wide coalition of
12,000 signatories
advocating for a stronger Cohesion Policy – react to
the conclusions on Cohesion Policy
adopted today by the General Affairs Council of the EU.
The #CohesionAlliance welcomes the conclusions adopted by the General
Affairs Council, which underline the importance of cohesion as a principle,
policy, objective and pillar of the European Union, while stressing that
cohesion is a long-term policy that should continue benefitting all EU
regions. Although it helped mitigate the effects of recent crises, such as
the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia's war against Ukraine, Cohesion Policy
must remain the most important EU long-term policy to reduce disparities
among territories.
The Alliance is ready to work with the European Commission and Member
States to further define the "do no harm to cohesion" principle, which
should prevent the creation of new inequalities in Europe. Strengthening
cohesion as an overall value of the European Union is more pressing than
ever.
The #CohesionAlliance welcomes the recognition that Cohesion Policy should
continue to be based on shared management and partnership agreements
between European, national, regional and local authorities, with the
involvement of local stakeholders. Moreover, the Alliance highlights the
Ministers' call against the multiplication and fragmentation of funding
instruments to avoid the risk of overlaps with Cohesion Policy. The call
takes on board the request included into the
new declaration
adopted by #CohesionAlliance's members in October.
The EU-wide coalition recalls its commitment for a simplification of
Cohesion Policy in the future, and for the improvement of its effectiveness
and positive outcomes for European citizens. Partners are mobilized for the
efficient implementation of the 2021-27 investment plans, and stand ready
to contribute to the debate on the future of Cohesion policy.