The EESC urges a fairer, more resilient cohesion policy in talks with Commission Vice-President Fitto

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has adopted an opinion on the European Commission’s mid-term review of cohesion policy 2021–2027, urging the EU to adapt to evolving priorities while staying true to the policy’s founding aim: to reduce regional disparities. During a plenary debate with Commission Vice-President Raffaele Fitto, the EESC called for greater flexibility, more effective funding tools, fair access for all regions and a more robust EU budget to support long-term investment.

Cohesion policy – the EU’s main instrument for promoting economic, social and territorial unity – is currently being reassessed in light of significant changes across Europe, with the EESC actively contributing to discussions on its future direction.

‘Cohesion policy has been vital in responding to both long-term structural challenges and urgent crises’, said EESC President Oliver Röpke. ’But as we adapt to new priorities, we must keep its core mission at the forefront: supporting the most vulnerable regions and reducing inequalities. This is not just a question of solidarity, but of strengthening the Union’s long-term social and economic fabric. This is why we welcome the Commission’s mid-term review of cohesion policy 2021–2027’.

‘With the proposal on the mid-term review package, we are giving Member States and regions the opportunity to invest in new, specific areas – a voluntary choice that introduces flexibility without compromising the core principles of cohesion policy. I welcome the EESC’s swift and constructive response in supporting the work of the co-legislators, helping to shape a policy that is stronger, more responsive and more impactful for Europe’s regions and civil society’, added Commission Vice-President Fitto.

Evolving without losing purpose

The EESC broadly supports the Commission’s efforts to align cohesion funding with emerging priorities such as competitiveness, defence, affordable housing, the energy transition and water resilience. However, it warns against drifting too far from the policy’s essential role – to promote regional cohesion. These new objectives, the EESC argues, must complement – not overshadow – the principle of solidarity.

Making funding more effective and sustainable

To strengthen the impact of cohesion funding, the EESC recommends a smarter combination of traditional grants and financial instruments, enabling more targeted investment and long-term growth. It also calls for better alignment between the mid-term review and the revision of the multiannual financial framework (MFF), ensuring greater flexibility beyond 2027.

A key concern is the sustainability of the EU’s own-resource system. ‘Without a reformed and reliable funding model, the Union could find itself ill-equipped to respond to future crises or to invest adequately in long-term priorities’, explained EESC rapporteur David Sventek.

Guaranteeing fairness and regional balance

Ensuring fair access to cohesion funding remains a central concern. The EESC stresses that all EU regions – particularly those facing structural, geographical or economic disadvantages – must benefit equally from policy reforms. While it welcomes the Commission’s focus on the green and digital transitions, the EESC emphasises that no region can be left behind.

Long-term investment for Europe’s future

The debate with Vice-President Fitto also highlighted the need for a stronger EU budget that reflects Europe’s long-term ambitions. The EESC called for a greater focus on climate action, digitalisation and sustainable infrastructure – areas vital to the EU’s competitiveness, innovation and resilience in the decades ahead.

This opinion offers a key contribution to ongoing talks on the future of cohesion policy, especially with the post-2027 period on the horizon. The EESC remains committed to ensuring that cohesion policy continues to reflect the EU’s values of fairness, solidarity and balanced development. By aligning with new priorities while protecting its core purpose, the EU can strengthen cohesion and resilience across all its regions.