The key role of cohesion policy in tackling major economic and social challenges was the main topic discussed by the President of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), Vasco Alves Cordeiro, and the President of the Jacques Delors Institute and former Italian Prime Minister, Enrico Letta, during a bilateral meeting on Wednesday 15 May.
Mr Letta drew up a report on the future of the single market, which was presented to EU leaders in April (see EUROPE 13394/1).
“The report by Enrico Letta recognises the need for economic, social and territorial cohesion to remain at the very top of the European agenda in years to come”, emphasised President Cordeiro. He added: “The single market and cohesion policy have gone hand in hand since their respective creation: that was Jacques Delors’ vision, and it is all the more relevant today. Together with the hundreds of cities and regions that are part of the Cohesion Alliance, we are fighting for a renewed and strengthened Europe”.
Enrico Letta believes that it is necessary to ensure that “all regions have high level services of general interest”. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)