Brussels, 22/06/2015 (Agence Europe) - Regional Policy Commissioner Corina Cretu intends to close the gap that exists for those regions, particularly in the more recent member states, by improving their economic framework and by promoting their specific assets with an approach that sees peers working together. In an interview in Sofia on 16 June, she set out for EUROPE her vision for the use of European funding in the 2014-2020 programming period. (Interview by JC)
Agence Europe - How would you describe the European funds policy that you want to implement for the 2014-2020 period?
Corina Cretu - We have a new regulation, and we need to stick with it. I want to direct funds in projects that create growth and innovation, and to close the infrastructure gap. The idea of this new regulation is to help each region to focus on its best assets, to conduct a smart specialisation on what it is good for. That is why I launched the TAIEX peer-to-peer programme: because each region is good for a different thing, and can share it with the other ones.
This new regulation links regional policy to economic governance, through the macro-conditionality provision. The Socialists and Democrats, to which you belong, are opposing it. What is your position on it?
First, I must say that regional policy has no political colour. When I visit different European countries, I don't ask questions about the political colours of my interlocutors. In all the European countries, all the political forces should unite to work on this policy. It is about investment for the next ten years, not about politics.
As for the macro-conditionality clause itself, its purpose is to provide a good investment environment. Some European regions are more behind and, when we invest there, we see a difference. In this case, we try to find the reason for that and, sometimes, we find that this reason lies in the economic framework of this region. And in this case, we cannot afford to work with this framework.
You announced recently that you want to set up a high-level group on simplification (see EUROPE 11311). Can you state the goal of this group?
The idea is to tackle the problem of the administrative burden imposed by the management of the European funds. This is particularly important for SMEs, which sometimes avoid getting involved with European funds, because their management is too bureaucratic. We want to strike the right balance between simplifying these funds, and making sure that they are not subject to fraud.
And finally, a word on Bulgaria: is this country efficient in terms of management of European funds? What should it focus on?
During my visit here, we have adopted the last two 2014-2020 operational programmes. The Bulgarian authorities want to improve the TEN-T network, they are looking to support small businesses and research. They also plan to invest in the energy efficiency of buildings - which is not just about the look but also has an effect on bills! The Bulgarian authorities are also very good at making use of financial instruments. Lastly, I would point out that they have subscribed to the “SME initiative”.
However, in Bulgaria, needs remain greater than available funding. I encourage the Bulgarian authorities to make use of the Juncker investment plan.