CEMR warns against budget cuts and calls for strong, ambitious cohesion policy at the heart of Europe’s future
At its Policy Committee meeting in Bilbao (11 June 2018), the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) adopted a declaration on the European Commission’s proposal for the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). While the proposals maintain cohesion policy interventions in all European regions, CEMR highlights serious concerns about the reduced ambition and risks for Europe’s territories.
Risks of a reduced budget
The proposed 7% cut to cohesion policy represents more than a financial adjustment: it risks undermining the EU’s ability to deliver on key priorities such as climate action, social inclusion and economic development. CEMR stresses that cohesion policy is not just another programme, but an objective enshrined in the EU Treaties and central to the Union’s DNA.
Safeguarding cohesion and partnership
CEMR calls for cohesion policy to remain focused on territorial, economic and social cohesion, not diluted by unrelated measures such as public administration reforms. It also warns that new provisions risk weakening integrated territorial development by creating further divisions between funding streams such as the ERDF and ESF+. At the same time, local and regional governments must not be penalised for decisions taken at national or EU level within the European Semester.
A modernised but ambitious approach
CEMR welcomes efforts towards simplification, flexibility and sound financial management. However, the organisation insists that modernisation cannot come at the cost of ambition. Local and regional governments, the main investors in cohesion policy sectors, must be closely involved in shaping and implementing programmes through strong partnership agreements.
Looking ahead
As negotiations continue, CEMR urges that the future cohesion policy reflect the EU’s broader commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals, climate action and the European Pillar of Social Rights. Europe’s capacity to meet these challenges depends on empowering its municipalities and regions, placing them at the heart of the European project.
For more information, contact:
Advisor – Territorial Cohesion & Local Finances
