As the Cyprus Presidency of the EU Council begins a decisive six-month period for negotiations on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034 (see EUROPE 13780/8), cohesion policy will be one of the issues addressed.
It remains “a core EU policy and a key driver of European growth, competitiveness and solidarity”, the Presidency stressed in its work programme, arguing that it strengthens the single market and helps to overcome fragmentation, unequal access to opportunities and asymmetric adjustment capacities between regions.
Cyprus insists on recognising the diversity of challenges faced by EU regions and Member States, and their specific needs, in particular those of cities and island regions (see EUROPE 13759/22). At the ‘General Affairs Council’ meeting on Thursday 26 February, European ministers will exchange views on the lessons to be learned for the future regarding the mid-term review of cohesion policy 2021-2027 (see EUROPE 13712/5). The Presidency will take this into account when discussing regional and national partnership plans (see EUROPE 13682/5).
On this occasion, the ministers are expected to approve their conclusions on the EU’s urban agenda. Over the next six months, the European Commission will be presenting a review of the 2030 Territorial Agenda. The Presidency will also work to advance negotiations on the regulations on the European Regional Development Fund and the Cohesion Fund (ERDF and CF), including Interreg, and the European Social Fund (ESF+), with the aim of reaching a partial general approach for the period 2028-2034 (see EUROPE 13765/21).
See the Presidency’s priorities: https://aeur.eu/f/k4d (Original version in French by Anne Damiani)