Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, addressed the European Committee of the Regions during its 164th plenary session and inaugural 8th term meeting, sharing his vision for a modernized cohesion policy that better reflects diverse regional needs and current challenges.
Context and Core Proposals
Fitto stressed the importance of cohesion policy as a strategic tool to tackle pressing issues such as security threats from the war in Ukraine, economic competitiveness in a fast-evolving global landscape, demographic shifts, and the green and digital transitions. Emphasizing his personal connection to regional policy, he called for tailor-made solutions for each Member State, improved coordination between EU and national funding instruments, and a performance-based delivery model featuring stronger governance, accelerated implementation, and enhanced capacity building.
Although Fitto did not offer specific numerical targets or financial commitments, he referenced the upcoming mid-term review as an opportunity to accelerate and better align cohesion programs with EU priorities. His approach promotes multi-level governance, with increased involvement of local and regional authorities in the policy cycle.
Political Significance and Policy Orientation
Fitto’s proposals suggest a shift toward increased EU support while respecting regional specificities—a balance between reinforcing EU cohesion powers and strengthening national and local involvement in decision-making. This places emphasis on integration without overriding sovereignty.
Stakeholder Impacts
- Regional and local authorities stand to gain greater influence in cohesion policy design and implementation, an opportunity to tailor programs and access potentially streamlined funding.
- EU Member States’ governments may experience increased demands to coordinate funding and adopt performance metrics, potentially increasing administrative complexity.
- EU producers and businesses, particularly in green, digital, and biotech sectors, might benefit from enhanced investment in innovation and infrastructure, though possibly facing new regulatory oversight connected with cohesion-driven reforms.
- EU citizens, especially in urban, rural, and border regions, could see improved public services and housing initiatives tailored to their realities. However, the practical delivery of these benefits hinges on accelerated implementation measures yet to be detailed.
In conclusion, Fitto’s speech maps a coherent political strategy to evolve cohesion policy with a balance of EU-level ambition and regional autonomy, relying on stronger partnerships across governance levels to address Europe's multifaceted challenges.