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
How do you envision stakeholder engagement evolving to better support the objectives of cohesion policy in the future?
**Interview with Dimitris Skalkos, General Secretary of Public Investments and NSRF**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us, Mr. Skalkos. Recently, you highlighted the need to clarify the role of cohesion policy at the RGC Regional Conference. Can you elaborate on that?
**Dimitris Skalkos**: Absolutely. Cohesion policy is crucial, especially in our rapidly changing environment. It must effectively address crises while also focusing on long-term strategies for sustainable development. We need to define its role clearly—whether it’s a reactive tool for immediate issues or a proactive approach for future challenges.
**Interviewer**: What do you see as the primary focus for cohesion policy moving forward, especially with the planning period beyond 2027 in mind?
**Dimitris Skalkos**: A key aspect will be prioritizing investments that promote economic, social, and territorial cohesion. We need to engage with various stakeholders to ensure that the policies we implement reflect the needs of all regions within Europe.
**Interviewer**: Giorgos Petrakos from ELIAMEP suggested that Europe should impose a “tax hand” on large companies to generate new resources. What are your thoughts on this approach?
**Dimitris Skalkos**: This is an important discussion. While we certainly need to explore new funding avenues, implementing taxes on large corporations must be done thoughtfully to ensure it doesn’t stifle innovation or growth. It’s about finding a balance between generating revenue and supporting sustainable development.
**Interviewer**: In your view, how can we ensure that cohesion policy adaptation keeps pace with the evolving needs of European regions?
**Dimitris Skalkos**: Continuous dialog with local authorities, stakeholders, and the citizens themselves is vital. Listening to their concerns and experiences allows us to adapt our policies accordingly. Furthermore, we must leverage data and research to inform our decisions, ensuring that they are evidence-based.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Mr. Skalkos. One last question: how can our readers contribute to this conversation about the future of cohesion policy in Europe?
**Dimitris Skalkos**: I encourage your readers to reflect on the impact of cohesion policy in their own communities. What changes do they envision? Engaging in discussions, perhaps through platforms or forums, will help amplify their voices and influence future policy directions.
**Debate Question for Readers**: Considering the essential role of cohesion policy in Europe’s future, how do you believe we should address the balance between immediate crisis response and strategic long-term planning? What specific measures do you think should be prioritized to ensure sustainable development across all regions?
