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
How can regional stakeholders actively participate in shaping the future priorities of cohesion policy to foster sustainable development in their communities?
**Interview with Dimitris Skalkos, General Secretary of Public Investments and NSRF**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dimitris. You recently spoke at the RGC Regional Conference about the importance of cohesion policy in Europe. Can you elaborate on its role in promoting balanced and sustainable development in our regions?
**Dimitris Skalkos:** Absolutely, and thank you for having me. Cohesion policy is critical, especially in our rapidly changing environment. It serves as the backbone for addressing both immediate crises and implementing long-term strategies that foster social and economic development across all EU regions. The goal is to ensure no region is left behind, whether due to economic disparities or environmental challenges.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the need to clarify the role of cohesion policy. What does this entail?
**Dimitris Skalkos:** It’s about distinguishing between short-term crisis management and long-term strategic planning. We must focus on how we can structure our investments to be flexible enough to respond to urgent issues, such as economic shocks, while also ensuring that we have a vision for sustainable growth that spans years to come.
**Interviewer:** Giorgos Petrakos also spoke on the topic, specifically about future resource allocation. He suggested the introduction of a “tax hand” on large corporations. How do you view this idea?
**Dimitris Skalkos:** This is a crucial point. Generating new resources is essential for the continuity of our cohesion policy. Taxing large corporations that benefit from substantial profits without contributing tax revenue could provide significant funding for public investments. This proposal warrants serious consideration as we look ahead to the planning period post-2027.
**Interviewer:** Looking to the future, what are the priority areas for cohesion policy development after 2027?
**Dimitris Skalkos:** We need to focus on several key areas: climate resilience, digital transformation, and social inclusion. Each of these is integral to building a more resilient Europe. By examining the impact of policy changes now, we can better prepare for a sustainable future.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dimitris. As we look towards these developments, what do you think readers should consider about the balance between addressing immediate crises and preparing for long-term strategies? How can we engage in constructive dialog about these priorities within our communities?
**Dimitris Skalkos:** I encourage readers to think critically about how these policies affect their daily lives and local economies. Engaging in discussions about the necessary changes—be it taxation or investment priorities—will shape the future of cohesion policy. We all have a stake in ensuring that our regions thrive sustainably, and every voice matters in this conversation.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Dimitris. This topic is indeed crucial, and I hope our readers feel inspired to join the debate on the future of cohesion policy in Europe.
