Debate: Cohesion policy and regional environment strategies in the fight against climate change
Date: WEDNESDAY, 24 MARCH 2021
Speaker: Virginijus Sinkevičius
Language: EN

In the 2021—2027 programming period, cohesion policy will make a major contribution to the fight against climate change. Some EUR 69 billion will be devoted to climate—related intervention in 2021—2027. One of the five key policy objectives of cohesion policy, Greener Europe is dedicated to supporting a greener low—carbon transition towards a net zero—carbon economy. All cohesion investments will obey the ‘do no significant harm’ principle, in line with the European Green Deal, and all cohesion funds have ambitious and binding climate contribution targets, including 30% for the ERDF and 37% for the Cohesion Fund. We will climate track all our investment based on OECD standards for assessing climate impact. The Just Transition Fund will support those regions most exposed to transition challenges in all Member States, alleviating the social and economic costs of transition towards a climate neutral economy.  All levels of governance need to be mobilised, from the local level to the European – regions and cities are major players in our climate action. In fact, for all investments under the upcoming 2021—2027 programmes the Commission is emphasising the importance of future—proof growth –‘building back better’. In the preparations and negotiations of the cohesion programmes in each Member State we are urging more sustainable investments. At the local level, we are promoting smarter and greener technologies such as smart grids, renewable energy networks and the renovation wave. To build resilience, cohesion policy will help local and regional authorities in mitigating and adapting to climate change, insisting on respect of the partnership principle and in accordance with the multi—level governance approach involving urban and local authorities, economic and social partners, environmental partners and civil society. With a strong focus on climate objectives, targeted investments, leaving no region behind and active involvement at local and civil society level, cohesion policy will be an important ally in the fight against climate change for years to come. This effort, of course, does not start now. Importantly, it is a key aspect of recovery. Long—term recovery from the COVID—19 crisis requires future—proof growth strategies supporting climate transition, phasing out reliance on fossil fuels and decarbonising industries. To ensure the recovery is sustainable, inclusive and fair, Europe has put in place an unprecedented financial package of EUR 1.8 trillion financed by Next Generation EU and the long—term EU budget. This is the most ambitious recovery plan that the EU has ever seen and it has one aim: to turn this immense challenge into an opportunity not only by supporting the recovery but also by investing in our future, the European Green Deal and digitalisation.  With a dedicated instrument – React EU – of some EUR 50 billion, financed from Next Generation EU, cohesion policy will also help a green and digital repair of the economy. Now we must press ahead with programming. The new 2021—2027 cohesion programmes are in preparation, but this preparation must reach cruising speed so that programmes are ready in time. We need full mobilisation of all actors at all levels, and we are definitely counting on your support.