Kings Commissioner Arjen Gerritsen participated on March 4th in Brussels in the European summit ‘Power Regions of Europe - Round Table 2026’. The event focused on the future of cohesion policy after 2027. The Regions of Europe network advocates for the protection of the role of regions in managing European funds. Commissioner Gerritsen spoke on behalf of the Dutch provinces and as EU Budget spokesperson for the Council of European Regions (CEMR).
The meeting took place at the permanent representation of the state of Bavaria to the EU. The event was an initiative of Bavaria and Lower Austria. Political representatives from more than twenty major European regions were present, including Catalonia, the Basque Country, Lazio, and Lombardy. Also present were European Commission Vice-President Raffaele Fitto and Members of the European Parliament Christian Doleschal and Siegfried Mureșan, rapporteur of the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034.
Funds for all regions
In his contribution, Gerritsen stated that cohesion funds must remain available for all regions. The proposals for the new European multiannual budget only guarantee this for disadvantaged regions. However, strong regions provide innovations and promising projects that contribute to Europes economic strength and strategic independence.
During the meeting, a joint position was presented to Vice-President Fitto, emphasizing the importance of regions as the natural implementing partners for cohesion policy. The Power Regions collectively represent 67% of Europes economic output.