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 do you plan to ensure that large corporations contribute fairly to funding cohesion initiatives, and what impact could this have on regional development?
**Interview with Dimitris Skalkos, General Secretary of Public Investments and NSRF**
**Interviewer:** Dimitris, at the recent RGC Regional Conference, you emphasized the need to clarify the role of cohesion policy in addressing both crises and long-term strategies. Could you elaborate on why this clarification is important?
**Dimitris Skalkos:** Absolutely. In today’s rapidly changing environment, cohesion policy must be versatile. It needs to not only respond to immediate crises, like the economic impacts of pandemics or geopolitical tensions but also to foster sustainable development over the long term. Balancing these two roles is crucial for maintaining stability and growth across European regions.
**Interviewer:** Giorgos Petrakos from ELIAMEP raised an interesting point about defining priorities for the post-2027 planning period. What do you think these priorities should focus on?
**Dimitris Skalkos:** We need to focus on sustainable development, digital transformation, and social inclusion. The goal should be to create cohesion that supports all regions, especially those that are marginalized. We also need to ensure that funding addresses both current challenges and future needs.
**Interviewer:** There was significant discussion around funding sources, with calls for a ‘tax hand’ on large corporations. How do you see this influencing future cohesion funds?
**Dimitris Skalkos:** It’s essential to explore new revenue streams to adequately fund cohesion policy. Tax reforms targeting large corporations can potentially provide the necessary resources, allowing us to invest in projects that promote equitable development across Europe. This discussion is vital as we prepare for future planning.
**Interviewer:** as cohesion policy continues to evolve, what would you encourage our readers to consider about its impact on their own regions?
**Dimitris Skalkos:** I urge our readers to think critically about how cohesion policy affects their communities—both economically and socially. Are the benefits being distributed equitably? How can the policy better serve their specific needs? It’s important for citizens to engage in this dialog as we shape the future of cohesion policy together.
**Debate Question for Readers:** As we consider the future of cohesion policy, how should we strike a balance between addressing immediate crises and implementing long-term strategies for sustainable development? What role should taxation of large corporations play in this equation? Share your thoughts!
