REGIONAL AND URBAN POLICY - 2nd report on Macro Regional Strategies’ implementation is adopted!

On the 29th of January, the 2nd report from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the implementation of EU macro-regional strategies (MRS) was adopted.

date: 15/04/2019

Therefore, conducted in the light of the Council conclusions in 2017, this 2nd report presents the tangible results of the past two years in various domains and delivers recommendations in line with the draft proposal of the post-2020 programming period.

On the one hand, the report stresses improving results on cross-cutting issues (policy making and planning, administrative capacity, governance, monitoring, access to funding as well as communication). In addition, some progress has been made on thematic priorities with a number of implemented projects across the MRS (environment, climate change, research, innovation and economic development).

On the other hand, the report gives recommendations on five main priorities relevant to implementation improvements. For example, thematic coordinators should be able to assess the situation of each policy area and provide recommendations to national coordinators. Key implementers should continue to improve their governance mechanism by strengthening synergies among all regional and local actors.

Currently, the Council is holding discussions and final conclusions are to be expected by the end of the Romanian Presidency.

Find out more in the report and the staff-working document here.