BG

TOMISLAV DONCHEV: COHESION POLICY NEEDS VISIONARIES, NOT CONFORMISM

14.02.2018

 

We need an intelligent design of the measures regarding the upcoming Cohesion Policy. In order to be successful, we need to set up a "smart" strategic planning and "smart" implementation and control systems. This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister Tomislav Donchev at the meeting of EU-28 Directors-General responsible for Cohesion Policy of the European Union.

 

I am a witness of the way in which Bulgaria has changed over the past 10 years. To a large extend, this change was due to the investments with the European funds. Every Presidency should seek compromises and a convergence of the positions of different Member States. The Bulgarian Presidency has the opportunity to foster the debate on a more simplified and efficient Cohesion Policy, said Deputy Prime Minister Donchev.

 

On behalf of the European Commission the Director General of the DG Regional and urban policy, Mark Lemaitre commented that now is the right time to mobilise and to commit to the Cohesion Policy. Before we have the proposal for the Multiannual financial framework post 2020 such discussion is very useful and timely exercise, he said. Lemaitre added that EC will follow closely the outcomes of the event and will take into consideration the proposals made by the Member States. 

 

During the meeting the link between the Cohesion Policy and the Economic Governance and European Semester was discussed, as well as the options for acceleration of the European Structural and Investment Funds’ implementation. Nearly 70 delegates from all 28 Member States, the European Commission, the Committee of the Regions, EIB and EFTA participated in the event. The outcomes of the meeting will feed the debate of the future Cohesion policy during the General Affairs Council on 12 April 2018 in Luxembourg.