CEEP has joined the #CohesionAlliance, which was launched in 2017 by the European Committee of the Regions together with leading European associations of regions and cities. During the meeting of CEEP Public Services Board, Thierry Durnerin, chair of the Board, signed the declaration on behalf of CEEP, in presence of Karl-Heinz Lambertz, President of the European Committee of the Regions.

Thierry Durnerin, chair of CEEP Public Services Board, said:

“For European providers of public services and services of general interest, it is crucial to highlight the importance of the cohesion policy. The views and missions of CEEP and its members are fully aligned with the principles stated in the #CohesionAlliance: developing and promoting a long-term vision for investment, overcoming the economic and social divides, improving the articulation of European, regional and local decision-making levels and calling for simplifying and improving the implementation of the EU funds.
Joining the #CohesionAlliance is for us an important statement, making clear our commitment to maintaining a strong cohesion policy in Europe and confirming the key role public services and services of general interest are playing, and should keep playing, in this policy.”

Karl-Heinz Lambertz, president of the European Committee of the Regions, commented:

“Whether it be transport, housing or waste management, public services and services of general interest are delivered locally improving the quality of life. EU cohesion funds support local and regional authorities in providing services for their communities. This is why I'm delighted that CEEP has joined the #CohesionAlliance. It is a sign that EU funds are making a difference and must continue to benefit every region and every city if we are to have a stronger European future."
 

The #CohesionAlliance is a coalition of those who believe that EU cohesion policy must continue to be a pillar of the EU's future. The Alliance was created through cooperation between the leading European associations of cities and regions and the European Committee of the Regions (CoR). It demands that the EU budget after 2020 makes cohesion policy stronger, more effective, visible and available for every region in the European Union.

For further information, please contact:
Maxime STAELENS, Communication Officer
Email: maxime.staelens@ceep.eu
Tel.: + 32(0) 2 229 21 40
Website: www.ceep.eu

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CEEP, European Centre of Employers and Enterprises providing Public Services and SGI, is one of the three general cross-sectoral European Social Partners. It gathers public and private providers of services of general interest from across Europe. CEEP members contribute to more than 26% of EU GDP and employ 30% of the EU workforce.