Today, the Socialists and Democrats voted in plenary for the adoption of the report on the implementation of the EU Cohesion policy 2014-2020, and its outcome on member states. The S&D Group succeeded to bring to the fore ideas on what the future cohesion policy should be after the current programming period ends in 2027. 

S&D MEP and negotiator on the matter in the committee on regional development, Corina Crețu, said: 

“The report on the implementation and the outcome of the Cohesion policy 2014-2020 gives us the opportunity to take stock and allows us to make a summary of lessons learnt. We, the Socialists and Democrats, believe in a robust Cohesion policy post-2027 as an investment and job opportunities policy.

“To this extent we are convinced that this solidarity mechanism between all regions of the EU should be reinforced. After the difficult times of the recent and ongoing crises, the situation in the regions for our citizens is tougher. Therefore, a robust Cohesion policy that contributes to a just, green, digital and social transition in all regions should be our vision. No region should be left behind.” 

S&D spokesperson in the committee on regional development, Marcos Ros Sempere, said:

“We have witnessed a worrying trend over the last years - every time there was a major crisis, and therefore a need for money to deal with the consequences, the European Commission redirected funding away from Cohesion policy. While we have not shirked away from our responsibility to address these challenges, this is a risky trend that can, and generally does, deplete the funds for regional development, which is an essential long-term public investment tool. 

“Cohesion policy is one of the flagship policies of the S&D Group because it underlines the economic, social and territorial nature of the European project where, to name but a few, SMEs have been supported, children have been able to stay in schools, lives were saved in hospitals built with these funds, and improved EU transport infrastructures have all been funded by this policy. Whatever we do with the challenges arising around the EU and within its borders, the Cohesion policy post-2027 should not fall victim to other legitimate needs.”