In a report by Nikola Dobroslavić (EPP, Croatia) adopted by an overwhelming majority on Tuesday 9 October, the members of the Committee of the Regions call for an increase in the EU budget to 1.3% of the Union's GNI for the next multiyear financial framework. They also make a series of requests through several opinions, affecting not only the cohesion policy but also Horizon Europe and the common agricultural policy.
In general, regions reiterate their opposition to the transfer of funding from funds under shared management to funds under direct management managed by the European Commission, a trend that would only widen the gap between the EU and its territories and, consequently, its citizens, in their view.
In particular, members once again denounced the cuts planned by the European Commission for cohesion policy (it should be noted that this is about 10% less than the current multiannual financial framework) and for rural development under the common agricultural policy (about 28% less).
In the case of the cohesion policy, the main concerns are the Cohesion Fund (a 46% budget reduction) and the European Social Fund, as well as European Territorial Cooperation. They also denounce the Commission's planned reduction in the pre-financing rate, which could prevent the proper functioning of the Structural and Investment Funds.
Concerning the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF), the regions are asking that it represent 1% of the post-2020 European budget, compared to 0.53% currently.
Horizon Europe
With regard to the future Horizon Europe framework programme, the regions welcomed the increase in the budget proposed by the European Commission, but were concerned about some of its modalities, which could also increase territorial inequalities, particularly for regions that are also affected by the reduction of the Cohesion Fund. For members, access to the framework programme should be facilitated, not limited to a few large cities and regions. A position that would echo the fears of some member states (see EUROPE 12106). Here, the CoR clearly opposed the proposal that the decision to transfer funds from the cohesion policy to Horizon Europe would be taken at national level, and not by the managing authorities concerned.
Rights and values
In addition, the regions are calling for an increase from €233 million to €500 million in the budget for citizen engagement and participation under the new Justice, Rights and Values Fund. They also call for a strengthening of the proposed threshold for climate investment (the LIFE programme) to 30%, compared to 25% in the European Commission's proposal. (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)