Brussels, 27/04/2009 (Agence Europe) - In order to stoke the debate on the future of cohesion policy, Regional Policy Commissioner Danuta Hübner asked Fabrizio Barca, Director General in Italy's Ministry of Finance and Economy, to prepare an independent report which sets out the rationale for a European Cohesion Policy after 2013, compiling the opinions of experts in various fields (academics, politicians, Commission representatives) from the four corners of Europe and the world. This crucial reflection comes within the framework of a far broader debate on the European budget and the Union's future priorities. On 22 June 2009, the Czech EU Presidency will present the Barca report to a high level group for discussion. This group will continue its work after the summer break. The Commission will then propose its cohesion policy programme for after 2013, Danuta Hübner announced. “However, if something has to be changed in depth, it should be the legal framework, and I believe this cannot be done as things stand”, the commissioner added.
The report, entitled “An Agenda for a Reformed Cohesion Policy”, was presented to the press on Monday 27 April by Commissioner Hübner and Dr Barca. It sets out 10 recommendations that will serve as a basis for reflection within the framework of events organised by the Czech and Swedish European Union Presidencies. In order to consolidate cohesion policy, the Barca report calls on the Commission to bolster its human resources in the directorates general so that they may deal more effectively with thematics and methodologies. It also asks for more information on results, therefore more policy control with increased powers for the European Parliament and the creation of a formal Cohesion Policy Council. The report also highlights the need to place emphasis on social inclusion, by developing a “territorialised social agenda”.
Speaking to the press, Fabrizio Barca set out the three conditions needed for comprehensive reform: (1) considerable political resolve is needed in member states that must accept increased Commission authority, which requires a “New Deal” for the budgetary procedure 2010. A political agreement is therefore needed. (2) Even if this reform is comprehensive, several things could be done immediately (indicator systems, impact of methodology). The negotiation timetable would have to be modified.
“We shall be faced with enormous challenges: - reduction in the rate of unemployment, regional economies, and economic reconversion. It will require cohesion policy at European level, which will be indispensable”, Danuta Hübner commented. The reform programme is hinged on its main element - that of putting potential to full use. The other elements of interest for the Commission are: - support for a strengthened strategic dialogue between Commission and member states. (“We shall reflect on setting political dialogue in place within the framework of the existing institutions”); - transition to assessing how certain instruments are operating; - emphasis on innovative approaches via experimentation, among other methods; - and thinking in terms of territory (integration at local level).
Fabrizio Barca also said that: A) Cohesion policy should cover development strategy based on location, which is aimed at two things. The first is a political objective that is to reduce the persisting under-use of capacities in some places. The second is a social or equity objective which is to remedy the fact that too many people live in one and the same place under the poverty threshold. This strategy does not aim to promote convergence (that is, reduction of the GDP/per capita gap from region to region) and is not a policy for financial redistribution, that is the redistribution of wealth between regions. B) Cohesion policy provides a good base for this strategy but comprehensive reform is needed. Reform requires: - a renewed political concept; - concentration of resources on core priorities for citizens, such as innovation, climate change, skills, migration, children and population ageing, which are the priorities of the Social Agenda, making it necessary to develop a “territorialised social agenda” which places emphasis on social inclusion; - and a change in governance. The contract must be strengthened (operational programmes and strategic framework) between the Commission and member states, and have objectives in terms of quantifiable indicators.
All the documents, hearings, seminars and working documents relating to the Barca report are to be found at: http: //ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/policy/future/pdf/report_barca_v2104.pdf. (G.B./transl.jl)