Brussels, 24/01/2013 (Agence Europe) - Reaching an agreement on the multiannual financial framework (MMF) for 2014-2020 during the European summit on 7-8 February is essential if talks on cohesion policy reform are to be completed in time. It is essential that preparations for the programmes financed begin next year. European Commissioner for Cohesion Policy Johannes Hahn and Ireland's Minister for Public Expenditure Brendan Howlin remain optimistic and are looking for political agreement to be reached by the summer.
An agreement on the MMF, as suggested by Council President Herman Van Rompuy, should give fresh impetus to talks on the legislative package reviewing cohesion policy. This was the line taken by Hahn during his meeting with regional representatives in Brussels, on Tuesday 22 January. He said that, during the first quarter of 2013, trialogue consultation will continue but this naturally depends on reaching an agreement on MMF. This means that the regulations could be formally adopted in the summer and the partnership agreements and operational programmes could be submitted by the end of the year, he added. Howlin, who is to supervise the talks during the mandate of the Irish Presidency, spoke along the same lines. Addressing MEPs on Wednesday 23 January, he set out his priorities for this half year in detail. He said that failed negotiations would have consequences on the legislative package and that it would be difficult to complete things in the time given. And yet, he does plan to complete the process according to the usual procedure and within the next six months. This is the Irish Presidency's “crucial objective”, he said, going on to add that they must guide those who are preparing the programmes, and offer legal certainty so that programmes can begin in a structured manner. He remains optimistic, saying that the trialogue began last autumn and compromises were reached on the EDRF at the end of the year. Howlin said that this means the new year is beginning on a good basis but one should not underestimate the task ahead, as there is still much to be done.
Although the timetable for cohesion policy depends on reaching an agreement on the MMF, it is also necessary to have an MMF that is good for cohesion. On that too, Commissioner Hahn remains optimistic, believing there will be no further cuts in regional policy. Howlin simply expressed the hope that the European budget 2014-2020 would be “satisfactory”. (MD/transl.jl)