Cohesion policy could be more effective

Cohesion policy is the main EU investment instrument for all European regions. When it is better aligned to the EU 2020 goals, it will boost more innovation and growth and regions and cities will be in the lead. This is the outcome of an EPP Group Hearing on Wednesday on Cohesion Policy and the Review of the EU 2020 Strategy. Cohesion policy is one of the EU's main priorities, supporting regions that lack innovation, growth and employment.

Fernando Ruas MEP said: "We are seeking a territorial approach to the Europe 2020 Strategy that could foresee tailor-made targets for each region (in addition to the current national targets) or adjusted regional targets determined by the characteristics of each of the regions."

Ruas also considers it essential to look beyond 2020: "Advanced planned action will lead to a successful preparation of the future financial and legislative periods."

Lambert van Nistelrooij MEP, EPP Group Spokesman on Regional Policy, considers the upcoming mid-term review of the EU 2020 Strategy "an excellent opportunity to improve cohesion policy and synergies with other funds. This is a chance for more commitment to the EU targets."

Rafaelle Cattaneo, Chairman of the Commission for Territorial Cohesion and EU Budget (COTER) at the Committee of the Regions, is of the opinion that "the ambitious goals of Europe 2020 are a driving force for progress but we should adapt them to the realities of today. Otherwise we risk that the Europe 2020 Strategy follows the destiny of its predecessor - the Lisbon Strategy - the strategy that no-one wants to remember today."

The suggestions were backed by the experiences of the Portuguese Professor Miguel Poiares Maduro, a Minister in the Prime Minister’s Cabinet and Minister for Regional Development. He considers it fundamental to move from national to regional levels of government. Poiares Maduro also suggested a less fragmented and more result-oriented growth driven approach. "For example: let’s not focus on the number of students in vocational training, but on the number that have found a job."