The European Commission has declared that extra time is required to current the overview of its regional funding program, which represents a 3rd of the EU price range.
A medium -term analysis of the EU regional funding program was initially foreseen for launch this week, however was abruptly faraway from the College of Commissioners agenda.
The hypothesis has emerged that the troubles doubtlessly reallocating these funds for protection functions have contributed to the delay within the aftermath of the current pushing of the EU on the security between geopolitical uncertainties.
“We are nonetheless engaged on this. It is a fancy query that requires sufficient consideration and the correct strategy,” mentioned the manager vice -president of the fee Raffaele Fitto, who supervises EU’s cohesion coverage.
Speaking after the assembly of the EU-27 regional insurance policies, he mentioned: “We are in a rush to do it at a gathering of the Commission or the opposite”.
The overview is an important analysis performed by the European Commission to guage the efficiency, effectiveness and effectivity of the funds, which quantity to virtually 370 billion euros for the 2021-2027 programming interval, which signify a 3rd of the long-term price range of the EU.
Defense considerations
The analysis is seen as elementary within the reform in progress of EU’s cohesion coverage, since in line with the Commission, the Commission explores the choices to re -establish the funds not spent to strengthen protection expertise.
Recent discussions have recommended rising flexibility within the financing of navy mobility tasks and double use infrastructures that might serve each for civil and protection functions.
The Commission additionally beforehand thought of the reallocation of elements of the European Fund of Regional Development (ERDF) and the Cohesion Fund (CF) for tasks referring to Difense.
Traditionally, these funds are meant to cut back financial, social and territorial disparities within the EU areas by supporting investments in infrastructure and innovation. The potential redirection of funds in the direction of the protection has aroused debate between the EU member states and the regional authorities.
Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz, Minister of regional insurance policies of Poland, chairing the ministerial assembly, mentioned he was open to the opportunity of utilizing cohesion funds for protection and safety.
“However, in the meanwhile, we’re focusing particularly on the restoration and resilience (RRF) and new security funds. Cohesion funds ought to primarily assist the event of Polish (and European) areas,” he mentioned.
Others have warned in opposition to deviant funds meant for lengthy -term regional growth.
“Moving funds just isn’t the answer. If you merely deviate the sources from financial cohesion to protection, he dangers undermining the foundations of EU solidarity,” mentioned Kata Tüttő, president of the European Committee of the Regions (Cor), who turned to Ministers this morning.
