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 innovative financing options could support the priorities of digital transformation, green energy, and social inclusion within the framework of EU cohesion policy?
**Interview with Dimitris Skalkos, General Secretary of Public Investments and NSRF**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dimitris. You’ve recently emphasized the need to clarify the role of cohesion policy in addressing both immediate crises and long-term strategies during your speech at the RGC Regional Conference. Why is this clarification needed now more than ever?
**Dimitris Skalkos:** Thank you for having me. In today’s rapidly changing environment, regions across Europe face various challenges, from economic downturns to climate change. A well-defined cohesion policy will help us not only to respond to urgent issues but also to foster sustainable growth and resilience in the long term. It’s essential that we adapt our strategies to ensure that no region is left behind.
**Interviewer:** Giorgos Petrakos from ELIAMEP mentioned the need to define priorities for the planning period after 2027. What kind of priorities do you think would be most effective?
**Dimitris Skalkos:** Moving forward, we need to focus on digital transformation, green energy, and social inclusion. These priorities will help regions develop effectively and ensure a balanced distribution of resources. Moreover, we need to explore innovative financing options, which leads us to discussions about tax reforms on larger corporations, as mentioned by Mr. Petrakos.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of tax reforms, how do you think implementing a tax strategy on large companies could impact cohesion policy in Europe?
**Dimitris Skalkos:** A tax strategy could generate significant resources that could be funneled back into cohesion policy initiatives. By ensuring that large corporations contribute fairly, we can increase funding for regional development projects that support vulnerable areas, thus enhancing overall EU cohesion.
**Interviewer:** That sounds like a challenging but necessary approach. Do you anticipate any pushback regarding these strategies, especially from those who might be against higher taxes on corporations?
**Dimitris Skalkos:** There is always resistance to change, especially regarding taxation. However, it’s crucial to convey that these measures are not just about levying new taxes but about investing in our future. The sustainability of our regional developments depends on our ability to create equitable frameworks that support everyone.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dimitris, for your insights. To our readers, what do you think about the current direction of cohesion policy? Should we prioritize addressing immediate crises or focus on long-term strategies? Are tax reforms on large companies a viable solution for funding these initiatives? We invite you to share your thoughts and engage in this critical discussion.
