The European Committee of the Regions once again called for full respect of the principles of partnership in the implementation of national recovery plans under the Next Generation EU Recovery Plan, in an opinion adopted (with 186 votes in favour, 2 against and 2 abstentions) on Tuesday 12 October.
According to the Committee members, the differences in the timing of the preparation of the national recovery plans and the Partnership Agreements may cause difficulties in the rapid mobilisation of EU assistance.
This is particularly true in the context of post-2020 Cohesion Policy, where delays are expected as priority would be given to the European Recovery Plan, they say.
The Committee members also call for the same respect of the principles of partnership for the reformed Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). They therefore call for better monitoring of both formal and informal negotiations on Partnership Agreements.
The lack of consideration for regions and cities has been a source of concern for the Committee for several months, particularly following a survey of its members (see EUROPE 12651/4).
To consult the opinion: https://bit.ly/3v6WQ1J (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)