At its inaugural meeting on Tuesday 23 July, the European Parliament’s Committee on Regional Development elected its new bureau.
Adrian-Dragoș Benea (S&D, Romanian) was elected Chair of the Committee on Regional Development by acclamation. The committee in question will face two challenges: ensuring the smooth implementation of cohesion policy 2021-2027 and preparing a new package for cohesion policy post-2027, explained Adrian-Dragoș Benea. He also advocated a robust budget, shared management, multi-level governance, a place-based approach and the principle of partnership.
Members also elected four vice-chairs: 1st Vice-Chair: Gabriella Gerzsenyi (EPP, Hungarian), elected by acclamation; 2nd Vice-Chair: Nora Mebarek (S&D, French), elected by acclamation; 3rd Vice-Chair: Francesco Ventola (ECR, Italian), who was elected with 21 votes in favour, 11 against and 7 abstentions; 4th Vice-Chair: Ľubica Karvašová (Renew Europe, Slovak), elected with 28 votes against candidate Rody Tolassy (Patriots for Europe, French), who received 12. Mr Ventola assured that the corruption allegations against him were unfounded. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)