13/03/2017 (Agence Europe) – In a press release published on Monday 13 March, the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR) heavily criticised the five scenarios set out by European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker for their lack of bold vision and, especially, for the failure to make any reference to regional cooperation. “We are disappointed that the White Paper questions the value of Cohesion Policy”, regretted CPMR President Vasco Cordeiro, stating that, “not only has Cohesion Policy demonstrated that it delivers, it is the only EU policy that connects citizens with the regions, the Member States and the wider EU”. The organisation therefore calls for a “sixth scenario” which will give prominence to regional cooperation and to territorial cohesion. Discontent is mounting among the regions. Recently, the members of the Committee of the Regions were up in arms against the fourth of the Commission’s scenarios (see EUROPE 11737). (PH)