The European Parliament adopted in second reading, on Wednesday 23 June, the umbrella regulation laying down common provisions (CPR) between the Structural and Investment Funds, the regulation on the European Regional Development Fund and the Cohesion fund (ERDF and CF) and the fund dedicated to the European Territorial Cooperation (Interreg).
This adoption marks the end of almost 3 years of political negotiations. The Chair of the Committee on Regional Development, Younous Omarjee (The Left, France), recalled that there had been a total of 23 interinstitutional meetings (trilogues) over no less than five EU Council presidencies.
The Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, described this adoption as a “historic” event, which gives new impetus to regional development in the wake of the pandemic and to meeting the challenges of the dual green and digital transition.
The rapporteurs on the different regulations have outlined the content of the different funds. All stressed the work on simplification of funds and greening, like Niklas Nienass (Greens/EFA, Germany). In general, MEPs from the centre to the left of the Parliament welcomed the fact that cohesion policy is being put at the service of the ‘Green Deal’.
The strengthening of the social dimension was also repeatedly stressed. The better taking into account of the outermost regions was welcomed, notably by MEP Stéphane Bijoux (Renew Europe, France).
However, some MEPs, such as Tom Berendsen (EPP, Netherlands), warned against excessive flexibility in the implementation of the funds. Among conservatives, several voices were raised against the binding earmarking of structural funds for green investments, recalling that Member States should be left free to decide.
Others in the S&D regretted the maintenance of even weakened macroeconomic conditions. On the far right, several denounced funds that support the integration of migrants, like André Rougé (ID, France).
Some MEPs, such as Herbert Dorfmann (EPP, Italy), regretted the budget cuts made, notably for Interreg. The issue of the cohabitation of cohesion policy with the Recovery and Resilience Plan was mentioned several times.
All agreed that the biggest challenge lies ahead: the implementation of the cohesion policy.
To consult the contents of the different texts: - CPR (see EUROPE 12614/11); - ERDF and CF (see EUROPE 12619/22); Interreg (see EUROPE 12615/16). (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)