Brussels, 16/04/2015 (Agence Europe) - The Committee of the Regions (CoR) adopted its opinion on the European Commission's investment plan on Thursday 16 April (see EUROPE 11270). It warns of the risk of concentrating investment in only a few regions and calls for particular attention to be given to the weaker regions. It also argues for real and proactive coordination between the investment plan and EU structural funds, and a stronger role for the regions in identifying strategic projects.
CoR President Markku Markkula called for “clear references to the territorial dimension” in the investment plan. Rapporteur Claude Gewerc (PES, France) told EUROPE that, on the issue of involving the regions in identifying projects, “we are not asking to have all the power. We are simply asking to be partners”. Jyrki Katainen, European Commission vice-president, in his response to the vote, stated that “the Commission can provide the framework but the actual projects will come from the regions”. (Jean Comte)