Speech by Executive Vice-President Fitto at Annual joint meeting of European Parliaments Committee on Regional Development (REGI) and the European Committee of the Regions Commission for Territorial Cohesion Policy and EU Budget (COTER)

Dear Chair Benea,

Dear Chair Cordeiro,

Honourable members,

Many thanks for this invitation – it is a great pleasure to be here.

My apologies if I have to leave earlier to attend the College of Commissioners at 10.

But still I wanted to be present because I recognise the importance of this meeting.

I would like to thank the two chairmen for organising the agenda accordingly.

I know the valuable work that both the REGI committee and the Committee of the Regions do.

For this reason, since the beginning of my mandate, I have made cooperation with you a top priority on my agenda.

Current cohesion policy – and the importance of dialogue

Coordination – and consultation – are defining features of my work.

My first act, at the start of my mandate, was to open a dialogue.

And the European Week of Regions that we have just organised these past few days was another important opportunity to hear the voices of regional presidents, mayors and local administrators, who live and breathe cohesion policy on a daily basis.

This year the event took place in a particularly significant moment: on the one hand, it comes with the entry into force of the mid-term review of cohesion policy, which provides an opportunity to update current programmes in light of new European priorities; on the other hand, it comes at the very heart of discussions on the new Multiannual Financial Framework and the future strategies we intend to implement.

In this context, your point of view is essential for developing policies that are truly in line with the needs of our citizens.

During my meetings and discussions with you, with ministers and with Members of the European Parliament, I heard the same messages:

•       Europe needs cohesion policy – it must continue to provide   tailored solutions, to each region, each city.

•       At the same time, challenges and needs are evolving rapidly.    And cohesion policy must evolve and modernise too.

This is our common goal and most important task: to modernise and simplify cohesion policy to ensure that it can deliver on its objectives and respond more effectively to emerging challenges.

In fact, in line with the objective of modernising cohesion policy and making it more flexible and capable of responding to new challenges, as you know, we have proposed a mid-term review.

With this package, we are giving Member States and regions options, incentives and flexibilities to adapt their programmes.  

The package focuses on five priority goals, which were identified in meetings with ministers and stakeholders from all Member States.

Competitiveness, energy transition, affordable housing, water resilience, and defence.

These are not only urgent needs – they are long-term strategic European priorities.

Many thanks to everyone in this room, who understood the urgency of this procedure and worked so hard for the swift adoption of this initiative.

It has already entered into force. And I am encouraging Member States and managing authorities to make use of this opportunity.

Simplification, flexibility, and synergies between funds – are also the foundation of the Commissions MFF proposal.

The proposal on the National and Regional Partnership Plans introduces a single set of rules, which should make EU funding more streamlined and promote coherence between EU funding streams and between national and regional actions.

More importantly, the proposal reaffirms the fundamental principles of cohesion policy: shared management, partnership, multi-level governance and the place-based approach.

And there is a clear focus on cohesion. More than 450 billion euro are available for cohesion, including rural development and fishing communities.

The three categories of regions – less developed, transition and more developed - are maintained to ensure that every region receives the support they need.

And less developed regions will continue to benefit from strong investment, with around 218 billion euro guaranteed for them. In line with the core mission of cohesion policy – to reduce disparities.

Regions will remain central to the process.

Plans will be designed – and implemented – in partnership between the Commission, national authorities, and regional authorities.

And regions will continue to be able to work directly with the Commission.

The Plans will have a regional dimension. And special focus can be given through the inclusion of dedicated regional chapters within Member States plans.

Member States will be required to define how they will reduce economic, social and territorial disparities.

This includes specification of what resources will be allocated to the three categories of regions – as well as to other specific regions.

Notably, the outermost regions, islands, cities and urban areas, rural areas and Eastern Border regions.

Horizontal and Territorial Strategic Policies

And we are preparing the way, with various initiatives and strategies.

Because the MFF proposal is just the beginning of an important and challenging process.

There is still a long road ahead.

In the meantime, let us work together on concrete initiatives, which promote territorial cohesion.

Place-based measures, which tackle urgent needs – reinforcing support in 5 key areas:  

First, the EU Agenda for Cities, which the College will adopt very soon.

Cities are key partners in European goals. And with the ambitious EU agenda for cities, we will enhance their role – and give them a stronger voice in EU policies.  

Second, the Pact for Eastern Border Regions, also to be adopted soon.

This initiative will strengthen solidarity with Eastern Border Regions. Supporting them as they deal with security threats, migration and a declining economy.

Third, a new Strategy for the Outermost Regions, to be adopted in the first half of next year.

This new strategy will reaffirm the EUs commitment to support its most remote regions – while also building on the unique resources and opportunities of these regions, namely as EU gateways to the rest of the world.

Fourth, a Strategy on Islands and Coastal Communities.

The Strategy will take a new approach at these territories, bringing forward proposals to promote their resilience, connectivity, and economic diversification.

Fifth, the Right to Stay initiative.

The right of every European to live and grow in the place they call home – is very important to me.

It requires long-term investments to make regions attractive places, where businesses and citizens can succeed, find quality jobs and have access to essential public services such as healthcare, education, public transport and housing.

Regarding these strategies, it is important to have your  suggestions.

Honourable members,

The months ahead are months of intense work.

I come to you today, in a spirit of partnership.

Your support was crucial for the adoption of the midterm review package – and it will be crucial again.

Our shared ambitions remain strong.

Modernise cohesion policy, aligning it with emerging challenges.

Promote balanced territorial development, reducing disparities and preparing regions and cities fit for the future.

Let us work together and have a constructive dialogue to achieve our common goals and ensure that Europe delivers – for our Member States, for our regions, and above all, our citizens.

I look forward to our discussion.