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 are the key challenges that cohesion policy must address to ensure effective regional development in the context of evolving economic conditions?
**Interview with Dimitris Skalkos, General Secretary of Public Investments and NSRF**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Mr. Skalkos. At the recent RGC Regional Conference, you discussed the vital role of cohesion policy in the European Union. Can you elaborate on what you see as the primary objectives of this policy in today’s rapidly changing environment?
**Dimitris Skalkos:** Thank you for having me. The cohesion policy is indeed crucial for promoting balanced and sustainable development across Europe’s regions. Our main focus is to clarify its role—whether it’s merely to address immediate crises or to implement long-term strategies that will ensure growth and stability. We believe that a nuanced approach, which incorporates both immediate and future-oriented strategies, is necessary to address the diverse challenges faced by different regions.
**Interviewer:** That’s an important point. Giorgos Petrakos from ELIAMEP emphasized the need to define priorities for the planning period after 2027. How do you envision this process?
**Dimitris Skalkos:** Defining priorities is essential. As we move past 2027, we need to consider the lessons we’ve learned and the new challenges that have emerged. This involves engaging stakeholders at all levels to ensure that our strategies are both relevant and effective. It’s also a chance to rethink our funding mechanisms to ensure they align with our ambitious goals for regional development.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of funding, Petrakos mentioned the need for a ‘tax hand’ on large corporations. What are your thoughts on this approach to generating resources?
**Dimitris Skalkos:** Taxation of large corporations that benefit immensely from the European market while contributing minimally is certainly a discussion worth having. If implemented wisely, such measures could provide additional financial resources for cohesion policy, enabling us to invest more significantly in our regions. The challenge lies in ensuring that any tax reform is fair and encourages investment rather than driving companies away.
**Interviewer:** Interesting perspective. As you reflect on the roles of various stakeholders in this process, how can we better engage local communities in shaping cohesion policies?
**Dimitris Skalkos:** Engaging local communities is vital. They often have the most insightful perspectives on the challenges they face and what solutions might work best. We must create platforms for dialog, ensuring that community voices are heard in the decision-making processes. This inclusive model not only empowers citizens but also ensures that policies are grounded in real-world needs.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mr. Skalkos. As a closing thought, what do you hope will be the outcome of these discussions on cohesion policy?
**Dimitris Skalkos:** I hope we emerge with a clearer vision of our future direction, one that balances immediate responses to current crises with sustainable long-term development. It’s crucial for the EU to maintain its commitment to regional equity and growth as we embrace the challenges ahead.
**Interviewer:** A thoughtful vision indeed. Readers, what are your thoughts on the future of cohesion policy? Should it prioritize crisis management or long-term development strategies? How do you think we can effectively engage local voices in shaping these policies? Let the debate begin!
