Dear Chair,
Honourable Members,
Dear colleagues,
Before we dive into the discussion, I would like to apologize for my absence from the trialogue on the MTR on Tuesday. I was committed to other meetings.
I want to thank the rapporteur Benea and the other Shadow Rapporteurs of the European Parliament and the Council for their work, the cooperation shown, and for reaching this important agreement, which demonstrates how cohesion policy, with the right flexibility, can effectively respond to needs and new European priorities within the current MFF.
Regarding todays discussion, I am glad to be here – less than 24 hours after the Commission presented its proposal for the next MFF. This has been a very challenging exercise, and we have worked on it until the last minute. This proposal marks the beginning – not the last step – of an important legislative process, which I recognize will also be challenging for many of you. Therefore, I felt it was important to come to the REGI committee as soon as possible to clearly outline what the Commission aims to achieve and to engage in a constructive discussion with you.
Honourable Members,
More than a year ago, the Political Guidelines for this Commission made a clear commitment: that the next MFF proposal would make the EU budget more impactful, more focused, and simpler.
We have worked hard to bring together the expectations of European citizens, the lessons learned from the past, and a system that can respond more quickly and effectively to emerging priorities.
Specifically, the proposal meets your concerns by:
- Establishing Cohesion as a clear legal basis and global objective of the future National and Regional Partnership Plans;
- Covering all regions and maintaining a high level of funding for cohesion;
- Ring-fencing amounts for the less developed regions at the same level as today;
- Introducing targeted measures for cities, rural areas, eastern border regions, islands, and outermost regions;
- Ensuring that regional authorities remain fully responsible for negotiating and implementing cohesion programmes;
- Guaranteeing that regions are not penalized for national reforms outside their control;
- Simplifying rules and reducing burdens for beneficiaries.
These are just some of the key commitments, and I will return to each of them in more detail shortly.
They reflect elements that emerged from the extensive and constructive dialogue we have had in this Committee, with the Committee of the Regions and with local authorities.
Cohesion policy is – and will remain – one of the fundamental values of the EU. It will be a key pillar of the next budget, as a central part of the National and Regional Partnership Plans.
Let me also explain the structure and objectives of the National and Regional Partnership Plans. Under this proposal, cohesion policy is safeguarded. The National and Regional Partnership Plans will offer Member States and regions a large pool of resources to meet cohesion objectives. In total, the Plans will mobilize almost 781 billion euros.
Of this amount, we have two preallocated funds:
- At least 296 billion EUR will be allocated for direct support of farmers.
- 34 billion EUR for migration and border management;
- And around 450 billion EUR will be for cohesion, rural development, and fishing communities, and other objectives.
Crucially, the Plans maintain the three categories of regions – less developed, transition, and more developed regions – and require that resources are allocated to all of them.
Moreover, I can reassure you that the long-term principle of concentrating resources on less developed regions is upheld. Minimum allocations for less developed regions are preserved. In fact, they will continue to benefit from the strong investment funding they have today – with at least 218 billion euros reserved.
Additionally, we will also continue with differentiated co-financing rates to reflect the varying development levels of regions.
The Interreg programme is maintained with a budget of 10 billion euros, a small increase compared to today.
Moreover, many of you in this Committee have highlighted the importance of a place-based, multilevel governance approach, built on shared management and partnership. These principles have not only been maintained but certain elements have been strengthened in the future framework.
Indeed, the new delivery model retains shared management and full respect for multilevel governance.
The plans will be implemented in partnership between the Commission and national and regional authorities, involving stakeholders at all levels, as is the case today in shared management.
When Member States present the plans, they must specify exactly how much they have allocated to these categories of regions, as well as to other specific regions, such as:
- The Outermost regions,
- The northern sparsely populated areas of Finland and Sweden,
- the islands,
- cities/urban areas, rural areas,
- and Eastern Border regions
If there is one message I have heard over and over – across meetings, missions, and from this Parliament – it is this: simplification.
This proposal introduces a single set of rules for more funds than is the case with the current CPR – governing 14 funds.
A flexible policy to face new challenges together.
The MFF proposal is designed not only to address todays challenges but also to help us prepare for those still to come.
It supports Europes competitiveness through targeted investment in innovation and skills.
It integrates flexible territorial tools for urban and rural areas, and for those with specific territorial features – such as outermost regions, islands, and our eastern border regions.
It also introduces financial flexibility through dedicated financial reserves within the Plans – allowing Member States and regions to address emerging needs or unexpected shocks without compromising long-term investment strategies.
A flexibility amount of up to 25% is foreseen, alongside a mandatory mid-term review.
Finally, let me underline that the protection of the EUs financial interests remains a top priority.
This proposal contains the strongest safeguards to date – zero tolerance for fraud or conflict of interest, and full respect for the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
Honourable Members,
When I presented the mid-term review in the spring, I said it was the beginning of a journey – a first step towards a modernized cohesion policy with a more tailored approach.
This proposal is the first step, not the last one.
More than 450 billion euros streamlined under a single rulebook – delivered through national and regional partnerships.
It confirms that our shared ambitions remain strong: to reduce disparities, promote balanced territorial development, and align our efforts with emerging priorities.
At the same time, I am also fully conscious that this is a starting point, not the final destination. I count on this House and this Committees constructive approach in discussing and negotiating this proposal in the coming months.
Let us work together to prove that Europe delivers – for our Member States, our regions, and, above all, our citizens.
You have my full commitment.
Thank you.