
The conference „ Future of Cohesion Policy beyond 2020“ was organized in Committee of the regions on 03rd March 2016.
EU investment is worth one-third of the overall budget of regions and cities. Cohesion policy is crucial to shape the future of the EU territories. However, there are concerns about its future.
The conference raised many questions: Is Cohesion policy under threat? How to tackle climate change, demographic change or migrations? How to link Cohesion policy and the economic governance? Which focus for Cohesion policy? How to make it perform better? Which reform?
"We need a reformed cohesion policy that balances supporting basic infrastructure for those regions lagging behind, and promoting competitiveness and innovation to generate jobs and growth. It must become more efficient, more result-oriented and simpler, with synergies between public and private financing." Markku Markkula, CoR President.
