Cohesion restart – towards a harmonious, more competitive and resilient development of EU regions

The seminar focused on the socio-economic and territorial cohesion, as a crucial issue for growth, competitiveness and achieving political and social values of the EU. The discussion referred to recently published documents, including the 9th Cohesion Report, Letta's Report on the Single Market, M. Draghi's report on EU competitiveness, and policy guidelines for the new EC along with mission letters.

The first part of the seminar was introductory panellists speech on:
- European Strategic Framework and the importance of cohesion policy in achieving EU goals;
- The principle of multi-level governance and the role of regional and local authorities in implementing cohesion policy and increasing its effectiveness;
- The link between cohesion policy and the European Semester and the experience of implementing the RRF and NRRP.

In their statements, the panellists stressed that cohesion is a key element in efficient functioning of the Single Market and strengthening EU competitiveness. They pointed out the need to maintain in future cohesion policy its key elements, such as multi-level governance, shared management, place-based approach, and the need for further simplification in the future.

Then the more interactive part of the seminar began involving discussions with the audience. The most often asked questions referred to:
- the importance of cohesion policy in strengthening EU competitiveness;
- the correct understanding of the territorial approach and the eligibility of regions to receive cohesion policy funding;
- the strengthening of the link between investment and reform and the stronger integration of the territorial dimension in the European Semester;
- excessive fragmentation of EU policies and multiplicity of instruments;
- security and building resilience of regions and interregional cooperation.

Responding to the questions, the panellists noted that competitiveness and cohesion should not be seen as contradictory issues – they need to work in parallel. In order to do this shared management and shared responsibility is needed because this allows for integrated approach. In order to strengthen European regions, it is necessary to increase their resilience by taking a holistic rather than a sectoral approach. It was acknowledged that the European Semester reform is not an easy task, but a feasible one. As a first step, it is necessary to consider how to link the high tech sector with the territorial dimension and smart specialization. A strong link between investment and reforms in the regions requires the involvement of all stakeholders. Strengthening European Semester should go hand in hand with strengthening the principle of multi-level governance. To strengthen competitiveness we should support not only the leading regions, but first and foremost those more fragile and build their competitive advantage. The panellists underlined the role of flexibility, which is crucial to carry out structural changes. Referring to interregional cooperation within the framework of Interreg, it was pointed out that it is crucial to implement not only large infrastructure projects, but also smaller ones aimed at local communities, which have a real and visible impact on improving standard of living and quality of life of our citizens.