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 Investments, 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 specific roles do local governments and the private sector play in enhancing the effectiveness of cohesion policy, and how can their collaboration be improved?
**Interview with Dimitris Skalkos, General Secretary of Public Investments and NSRF**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Mr. Skalkos. You’ve highlighted the importance of cohesion policy in addressing both immediate crises and long-term strategies. Can you elaborate on how you envision this balance being achieved in a rapidly changing environment?
**Dimitris Skalkos:** Absolutely, the cohesion policy is crucial for achieving sustainable development across Europe. In our discussions at the RGC Regional Conference, we emphasized that this policy must be flexible enough to respond to crises while also being robust enough to implement long-term strategies. The integration of short-term actions with long-term planning is essential for effective regional development.
**Interviewer:** Giorgos Petrakos from ELIAMEP mentioned the need to define priorities for the post-2027 period. What do you believe should be the central priorities as we look ahead?
**Dimitris Skalkos:** A central priority should be the enhancement of digital infrastructure and green transitions. These areas are vital for fostering economic growth, increasing resilience against future crises, and ensuring that no region is left behind. We also need to prioritize social cohesion by addressing disparities among different regions.
**Interviewer:** We also heard calls for new funding sources, with suggestions like taxing large companies that currently enjoy significant benefits without contributing proportionally. Do you think this is a feasible approach?
**Dimitris Skalkos:** The idea of introducing a tax on large companies is certainly worth exploring. As Europe faces pressing challenges, it’s important to look for innovative funding solutions. However, we must ensure that such measures do not hinder economic growth or deter investment. Discussions around equitable taxation are necessary, but they must also consider the overall economic context.
**Interviewer:** Moving forward, how do you see the role of other stakeholders, such as local governments and the private sector, in supporting cohesion policy?
**Dimitris Skalkos:** The involvement of local governments and the private sector is critical. They provide insights into specific regional needs and help tailor policies accordingly. Collaboration between various stakeholders can foster a more integrated approach to achieving cohesion and ensuring resources are allocated effectively.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mr. Skalkos. As we conclude, we invite our readers to reflect on this conversation: Do you believe that the current cohesion policy sufficiently addresses both immediate crises and long-term regional development needs? What changes would you advocate for to enhance its effectiveness? #CohesionPolicyDebate
