Cohesion policy

How can we find solutions to simplify access and management of EU funding for all towns and regions after 2020? This important issue was addressed during the meeting of CEMR’s expert group on territorial cohesion on 29 November, where they discussed the future of cohesion policy after 2020. Among others, the director general of the Commission’s Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO), Marc Lemaître, and DG REGIO head of unit, Peter Berkowitz, were present.

For CEMR, the main issue is that all territories need to have simplified access to European structural and investment funds – whether they are urban or rural. EU funds do exist. The problem is that the current application procedures are so complicated that many towns and regions end up not having access – even though they would be entitled to these funds. The next expert group meeting will take place in February, and we are confident we will find a common position.