In a rapidly changing environment, cohesion policy remains the key European policy tool for promoting a balanced and sustainable development in the European regions.
The main issue, according to the General Secretary of Public Investments and NSRF, Dimitris Skalkos, as he pointed out at the RGC Regional Conference, organized by the “Peloponnisos” newspaper from March 16 to 18, is to clarify the role of the cohesion policy, that is, we want it to address crises or implement long-term strategies.
For his part, the representative of the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP) Giorgos Petrakos, we must define the priorities for the planning period after 2027, while to the question of where new resources will be drawn, he answered:
“Europe needs a ‘tax hand’ on large companies that generate huge values and are not taxed”. The following speakers also took part in the discussion: pr. General Secretary of Public Investments and NSRF, Ministry of Development and Investments Giorgos Giannoussis,), Economist and Professor, Department of Public Investment, University of Thessaly Alekos Kritikos. The coordinator was Ioannis Papageorgiou, Director General, Regional Policy Observatory.
Athanasios Katsis, Chancellor of the University of Peloponnese
#RGC #Cohesion #Policy #Future
What are the key elements that should define the role of cohesion policy in addressing both immediate crises and long-term sustainable development goals?
**Interview with Dimitris Skalkos, General Secretary of Public Investments and NSRF**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dimitris. At the recent RGC Regional Conference, you emphasized the need to clarify the role of cohesion policy. Can you explain what you mean by this?
**Dimitris Skalkos:** Absolutely. The cohesion policy must strike a balance between addressing immediate crises—like those related to economic downturns or social unrest—and implementing long-term strategies for sustainable development. It is essential that we clearly outline how this policy can serve both immediate needs and future growth.
**Interviewer:** Interesting. Giorgos Petrakos raised a point about the importance of defining priorities for the planning period after 2027. What do you think should be at the forefront of these discussions?
**Dimitris Skalkos:** Prioritizing investments in innovation, green technologies, and social infrastructure will be crucial. We must ensure that our regions are equipped to handle challenges not just now but in the coming decades.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the need for new resources. Giorgos Petrakos suggested that Europe should impose taxes on large companies that generate significant profits. What is your view on this?
**Dimitris Skalkos:** This is a valid point. In order to finance our cohesion efforts, we may indeed need to explore alternative revenue streams, including taxing corporations that have benefitted immensely from the single market but contribute insufficiently to the public purse.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, how do you see the role of community engagement in shaping these policies moving forward?
**Dimitris Skalkos:** Community engagement is vital. We must ensure that local voices are heard in the decision-making process. By incorporating diverse perspectives, we can formulate policies that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of the regions.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Dimitris. This discussion raises many important questions for our readers. How do you feel about the balance between immediate crisis management and long-term strategic planning in cohesion policy? Should Europe prioritize corporate taxation to support these aims? We invite our readers to join the debate!