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Over a hundred European regions unite to strengthen cohesion policy

Over 110 European regions have sent a joint letter to Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission. The letter highlights the importance of ensuring that the in the future cohesion policy is effective, supports growth and addresses the diverse needs of different regions. It is a critical time to drive these changes, as the European Commission is beginning hearings with the new commissioners and preparing the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). A broad coalition of regions from Finland is actively involved in this advocacy effort.

In the letter, European regions emphasise the importance of their role in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of future cohesion policy. It is in the common interest of European regions that the political direction and funding of cohesion policy are planned collectively with the regions. Acting close to citizens also strengthens trust in the European Union.

Following the letter, a discussion on the future of cohesion policy was held in the European Parliament on 2 October, involving representatives from 134 European regions. At the event, regional leaders and ministers exchanged views with Members of the European Parliament how to strengthen cohesion policy beyond 2027. The only Nordic speaker was Niina Pautola-Mol, Director of the Regional Council of Päijät-Häme, who conveyed the joint message of Finnish regions to MEPs and Commission officials.

“The future cohesion policy should address the diverse challenges in all EU regions. For Finnish regions, it is important that also current geopolitical and security changes are being taken into account. A future cohesion policy should be based on the multi-level governance and shared management as well as support Europe’s growth and competitiveness.”
-Niina Pautola-Mol, Regional Mayor, Regional Council of Päijät-Häme

Cohesion Policy of the European Union

The Cohesion Policy accounts for nearly one-third of the EU’s total budget. It directly improves citizens’ quality of life by funding projects, such as those focused on skills and competence development. Regional investments help create jobs, foster innovation and improve infrastructure, boosting the development and competitiveness of the entire Union over the long term. Additionally, cohesion policy provides tools to address global challenges such as climate change, demographic transitions, and economic crises. A strong cohesion policy not only fosters regional development but also strengthens the unity and competitiveness of the European Union in the current geopolitical context.

“Finnish regions and cities are eager to contribute to the European Commission’s effort to modernise the cohesion policy towards promoting growth and competitiveness, while enabling citizens’ right to stay and ensuring good living conditions and opportunities in all regions. Finnish higher education institutes, small and mid-sized companies, as well as cities with ambitious goals on digitalisation and decarbonisation, are already receiving most of the available cohesion funds and advancing these objectives

Directors and Representatives of Finnish regional offices,

Kari Aalto, East and North Finland EU Office
Harri Airaksinen, Tampere EU Office
Ilari Havukainen, Association of Finnish Cities and Municipalities
Mikko Kangas, West Finland European Office
Janne Leino, Helsinki EU Office
Saara Nuotio-Coulon, Turku-Southwest Finland European Office
Krista Taipale, Häme EU Office

Photo: Copyright ©️Eric Berghen 2024