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Thursday, February 24, 2011

Continue to reduce the wealth gap between regions in Europe after 2013

On 21 February 2011 the General Affairs Council has issued guidelines for the development of future policy after 2013. Cohesion policy is a major factor of growth and competitiveness within the EU, the guidelines are positioning themselves for the greater prosperity throughout the Union.Concerning the the ministers' debate, János Martonyi, Hungarian Foreign Minister and President of the General Affairs Council, declared that there is a consensus that EU definitely needs a cohesion policy also in the future. It must be efficient. It must be cost-effective. It must be differentiated. At the same time it must be very well concentrated and focussed. It must be aligned very closely with Europe 2020.

The ministers' conclusions, based on the Commission's fifth cohesion report, stressed the need to continue reducing disparities between the levels of development of the various regions.

Under its cohesion policy, the EU co-finances infrastructure projects, develops the information society and helps citizens acquire new skills, to name just a few examples. Its aims are to help poorer regions to catch up with the more affluent ones, to improve people's employment prospects and to advance sustainable economic development all over the Union.

The current rules for cohesion policy will expire in 2013. On the basis of guidance from the Council, the Commission is hoping to present legislative proposals before the summer.

Source  European Commission - Europe 2020

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