Debate: Common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund Plus, the Cohesion Fund, the Just Transition Fund, the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund and financial rules for those and for the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, the Internal Security Fund and the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy - – European Regional Development Fund  and Cohesion Fund - – Specific provisions for the European territorial cooperation goal  supported by the European Regional Development Fund  and external financing instruments -
Date: WEDNESDAY, 23 JUNE 2021
Speaker: Elisa Ferreira
Language: EN

These objectives are more relevant than ever because the pandemic poses a great risk of deepening disparities and creating new divergences between European regions. Europe needs cohesion to be at the core of the recovery and to remain a priority. Today’s debate and the adoption of new cohesion policy instruments are therefore of historic importance. They will lay the groundwork for balanced regional development after COVID, where everyone has a fair chance to reap the benefits of membership of the Union. Moreover, the new generation of cohesion funds will help regions to embark on the twin transition, both digital and green. My warm thanks to the European Parliament for your constructive approach throughout all the negotiations and for standing up for our Treaty objectives. My special thanks to the rapporteurs, Constanze Krehl, Andrey Novakov, Andrea Cozzolino and Pascal Arimont. This gratitude is also extended to all the Members involved as shadow rapporteurs and those contributing with amendments, both in the lead and associated committees. Merci beaucoup aussi au président Omarjee pour la très, très bonne coopération et pour ses efforts permanents en faveur des régions européennes. Investments without strategy are ineffective, strategies and policies without the means to implement them are empty, and policies and investment without a territorial basis are blind. Cohesion policy offers the opportunity to bring together these three elements: the strategy, the means and the place—based method.  What is more, this is a package delivering simplification and empowerment to the beneficiaries of cohesion funds. First, thanks to a simplified single rulebook, we are one step closer to 21st century data—driven checks and accountability. Secondly, it introduces horizontal principles in line with our principles and values, throughout the programming period. Thirdly, local communities and local actors are placed at the centre of policymaking and funds management, respecting the partnership principle. Local people must be involved in local development.  I believe that, working together, we have found the right balance between our objectives and priorities, between the urban and rural dimension, and between supporting growth poles and developing disadvantaged areas.  Finally, for Interreg, common investment in border areas will ensure the necessary support for people, small and medium companies, and make sure that borders are not barriers to growth and development. Any given law or instrument is also only as good as its implementation so the real work begins now. It is important that implementation starts without delay. Working together with the other instruments of support and recovery measures, lasting impact can only be achieved if all the policies and instruments work together in synergy for a stronger, resilient and more cohesive union, where no one, and no region, is in fact, and in reality, left behind.