Cohesion Policy after the COVID-19 outbreak: a building block of EU’s recovery

Met dank overgenomen van Kroatisch voorzitterschap Europese Unie 1e helft 2020 (Kroatisch voorzitterschap) i, gepubliceerd op maandag 15 juni 2020, 8:00.

Following the initiative of the Minister of Regional Development and EU i Funds Marko Pavić second video conference of EU ministers responsible for Cohesion Policy with the participation of European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira i was held in Zagreb on Monday 15th June. First video conference was held on 27th March.

On 28th May, the European Commission published proposals of amendments to the legislative framework of Cohesion Policy. In response to the COVID-19 crisis and the post-crisis period of the EU’s economic recovery, it is necessary to provide all the possible resources to enable a progressive and balanced growth in all the Member States.

The main topic of the video conference was the exchange of views between the EU ministers and representatives of the Member States on the presented proposals of amendments to the legislative framework of Cohesion Policy and discussion on the importance of Cohesion Policy for EU’s recovery.

„We discussed the importance of Cohesion Policy for EU’s recovery after the COVID-19 outbreak. COVID-19 pandemic caused health and economic crisis with devastating effects on numerous sectors throughout European Union. Having in mind that years after the crisis will represent serious challenge on its path to economic recovery the role of Cohesion Policy will be crucial. Swift reaction of European Commission to adopt a new package of measures to mobilise all available resources was necessary in order to tackle negative impact of the crisis. I would like to thank European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, for excellent co-operation during Croatian presidency and for her understanding and support during the pandemic and disastrous earthquake that hit Zagreb in March this year. I will use this opportunity to also thank EU ministers and representatives of the Member States responsible for Cohesion Policy on constructive exchange of views and contribution to discussion on Cohesion Policy after the COVID-19 outbreak.”, said minister Pavić.

Ministers and representatives of the Member States also emphasised the need to adopt an ambitious EU long term budget 2021-2027 to continue support in mitigating the impact of pandemic and economic crisis.