Modernizing Cohesion Policy Amidst Changing Priorities
At the European Week of Regions and Cities in Brussels on 13 October 2025, Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto outlined a detailed agenda aimed at updating and enhancing cohesion policy to meet evolving European challenges. He highlighted the mid-term review of cohesion policy that came into effect recently, providing more flexibility and addressing five priority goals: competitiveness, energy transition, affordable housing, water resilience, and defence. This review notably includes incentives for Eastern Border regions grappling with security issues and economic recovery.
Concrete Proposals and Institutional Emphasis
Fitto emphasized concrete regulatory changes, including simplified implementation and new incentives, while confirming the preserved classifications of regions—less developed, in transition, and more developed—with guaranteed funding, such as the €218 billion earmarked for less developed areas. He underlined the role of regional and local authorities in designing and implementing policy actions, reinforcing multi-level governance, partnership, and shared management principles. The Commission's support for the revision of regional programs under the mid-term review demonstrates a concrete commitment to adaptability.
New Strategic Initiatives
Moving beyond cohesion policy, Fitto announced upcoming initiatives: the EU agenda for cities aimed at solving urban challenges and enhancing their voice; a Pact for the Eastern Border regions targeting security and economic issues; updated strategies for outermost regions post natural disasters; tailored approaches for islands and coastal communities; and the right-to-stay concept focusing on long-term investments to make regions attractive for residents.
Political and Stakeholder Implications
The proposals incline towards strengthening EU cohesion powers by increasing flexibility and regional involvement, fostering integration over national sovereignty in managing cohesion funds. For local and regional authorities, this enhances decision-making strength but may increase administrative responsibilities. Eastern Border regions and outermost areas stand to gain targeted support addressing their unique vulnerabilities. EU producers and businesses could benefit from improved competitiveness incentives, though adapting to new conditions may raise compliance costs. The Commission's focus on maintaining funding for all region types suggests a balanced approach toward economic growth and social inclusion.
In summary, Fitto's speech presents a forward-looking, detailed roadmap to adapt cohesion policy via defined priorities and streamlined mechanisms, reinforcing regional empowerment while addressing security, economic, and social challenges across Europe.