The ministers of the EU countries responsible for cohesion policy are meeting in Mons on Monday 5 and Tuesday 6 February, under the chairmanship of the Minister-President of Wallonia, Elio Di Rupo, for an informal debate on the future of the cohesion policy.
The European Commission will be represented by the Commissioner for Cohesion, Elisa Ferreira, and the Commissioner for Employment, Nicolas Schmit. Enrico Letta, who has been asked by the European Council to draw up a report on the future of the Single market, will also take part in the debate (see EUROPE 13328/9).
The Belgian Presidency of the EU Council explains that the aim of this meeting will be to discuss the future of the cohesion policy in Europe as the main long-term investment policy, and as “an engine for transformation and a lever for a fair transition anchored in the reality of the territories”.
In a context of widening inequalities and growing societal tensions, the cohesion policy is more necessary than ever, according to Belgium. It admits that this policy needs to be adapted.
Ahead of the publication of the 9th cohesion report, the finalisation of the work of the High Level Group on the future of cohesion policy and the Cohesion Forum, as well as the debate on the 2024-2029 strategic agenda, the Belgian Presidency of the EU Council is inviting Member States to discuss their strategic vision for the post-2027 cohesion policy.
The ministers will discuss how to refocus cohesion policy on its core missions and reflect on the strategic priorities of the post-2027 cohesion policy, with the dual aim of responding to the specific needs and challenges of each region and supporting European regions in their contribution to the implementation of European priorities and strategies and the consolidation of the Single market.
They will also discuss the key principles, in addition to shared management and a territory-based approach, to support the role of the cohesion policy as a lever for fair transitions rooted in the reality of the territories.
Finally, the ministers will debate additional simplification measures to further boost the implementation of projects co-financed by the EU, countries or regions, in all regions and as close as possible to European businesses and citizens.
The Belgian Presidency of the EU Council wishes to take into account the results of the discussions in Mons as well as the reflections developed in parallel by the Commission (in particular in the 9th report on cohesion, which should be published in March) to draw up guidelines for the post-2027 cohesion policy.
The European ministers responsible for cohesion policy will be meeting in Luxembourg on 18 June to adopt conclusions analysing the lessons to be learned from the 9th cohesion report. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)