EPP MEPs to visit local EU investments in Croatia, Slovenia, Romania, Portugal, Spain, Poland and Bulgaria

The EPP Group wants to strengthen EU investment in local projects and infrastructure, making it a more powerful and targeted tool to improve people's lives and respond to current economic challenges. That is why the EPP Group’s Cohesion Monitoring Group has launched a series of missions to European regions, cities, and rural and remote areas to evaluate the functioning of the EU's regional and local investments.

“We kick-started a focus shift to the local level. On the ground, in EU regions, cities and remote areas, we discuss challenges and search for the future Cohesion policy formula. We bring the takeaways to Brussels and offer solutions," said Andrey Novakov, Chair of the EPP Group's Cohesion Monitoring Group and the EPP Group Spokesman in the Committee on Regional Development.

Between October 2023 and April 2024, the EPP Group has planned six missions to seven Member States. The first mission to Croatia and Slovenia takes place today and tomorrow. Later stops include Romania, Portugal, Spain, Poland and Bulgaria, where EPP MEPs will meet with political leaders, ministers, and members of national, regional, and city parliaments.

"The EPP Group Cohesion mission to Croatia and Slovenia shows us the real added value of the EU and the importance of its policies. EU-funded projects that we will visit will give us a better perspective on the benefits the EU brings to our citizens," explained Croatian MEP Sunčana Glavak.

"This mission is an excellent opportunity for EPP MEPs to observe EU Cohesion Policy at work in remote border regions in Slovenia and Croatia. EU funds are enhancing the quality of life for people from these regions," emphasised Slovenian MEP Franc Bogovič. During the mission, MEPs will also look at the EU's investments following the recent earthquakes and floods in the region.

The EPP Group wants to show that the EU’s investments in transport infrastructure, energy, SMEs, skills, innovation, agriculture, reforms and other areas are helping to build the EU during times of peace, rebuild the EU during times of crisis; ensuring resilience and European benefit.