(04 October 2018) – Ahead of the European Week of Regions and Cities, the debate on Cohesion policy continues to spark tension inside the Brussels bubble as well as among stakeholders and networks of regions and cities across Europe.
European cross-border cooperation is at the centre of this talk as the Commission’s new EU budget proposal threatens to reduce the budget for cross-border cooperation, while at the same time suggests a new, better regulated Interreg scheme that could enhance co-operation between regions.
The main aim is to ensure that Cohesion policy beyond 2020 will maintain its regional perspective, in terms of investment priorities and funding allocations.
Regions and cities in Member States are asking for transparency in the process and more flexibility for the projects, which often fall victims to bureaucracy and delays. (EurActiv)