The Commission has established a group of high-level specialists on the future of Cohesion Policy.
- 31 January 2023
The group will reflect on the main challenges identified in the 8th Cohesion Report, from the innovation divide to demographic change.
The group will also look assess how to ensure the Policy can continue to deliver on its main goal of social, economic and territorial cohesion in the EU while contributing to a fair digital and green transition which is socially inclusive. The group will meet in Brussels nine times throughout 2023, with the first meeting happened today. It will publish strategic conclusions and recommendations in early 2024.
The group, chaired by Professor, Andres Rodriguez-Pose of the London School of Economics, is composed of highly qualified specialists selected based on their vast competence and experience in Cohesion Policy in Europe. The morning sessions of the group's meetings will be web streamed while relevant documents, including the expert papers, will be made public on the InfoRegio website.
When setting up the group, Elisa Ferreira, Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, said: “Although the principle of cohesion should remain unshakeable, the policy needs to continue to evolve and adapt to best deliver on its main goals. I look forward to joining the members of the group in discussing how Cohesion Policy can continue to support the cohesive development and long-term prosperity of Europe's regions in the context of emerging challenges.”
Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, Nicolas Schmit, highlighted: “Against the backdrop of the green and digital transitions, more and more businesses are finding it hard to find people with the right skills. At the same time, the working age population is shrinking. It is expected to decrease by 15 million over the next 15 years. This shows the importance of investing in people. I look forward to the discussions on how Cohesion Policy can continue to support this aim. We need to adapt the policy like we need to adapt our economy, in support of fair growth.”