Brussels says that this stirring in the cohesion boxes will allow effective use of funds – community funds
European Commission Vice President Rafael Veto, who has a folder for cohesion and renovations, defended Thursday that Suggested changes to the policy of cohesion It will be allowed to use “efficiency and time” for European funds It is stipulated in the framework of the current programming – Portugal 2030, here. The guarantee was presented in the first discussion with regional leaders yet an offer The policy of cohesion is entering.
(With proposed changes), We will provide incentives and remove barriers that prevent effective use in time for European fundsRafael Veto said at the plenary session of the European regions, where a proposal European Commission in Part of the expected European funds for the 2021-2027 programming period to new investments in areas such as defense and housing.
Representatives of the local and regional authority, Rafele Fitto, explained this, Although these money money responses are “voluntary”, the countries that do so It will benefit from a higher level of early payments (pre -financing) and joint financing. EIn some cases, European financing for those who accommodate these priorities may cover all the costs of the supported new projects.
A The European Commission’s suggestion It defines five new strategic priorities for the member states of investment, namely defense and security; The affordable housing is the competitive power and the removal of carbon for the economy; Energy transmission; Water flexibility. In each of these five strategic priorities, prior financing rates that may have access to selected applications will be 30 % and will be “qualified for the joint financing rate of the European Union up to 100 %”.
In the case of cohesion policy programs of no less than 15 % of the money to the specified five priorities, pre -financing will be 5 % (compared to the current 0.5 %). This increase is necessary to ensure the Ministry of Treasury to the member states to pay the costs of beneficiaries depending on the expenses provided and approved. For regions that border Russia and Ukraine, pre -representation will be 10 %.
PTo ensure that management authorities get time to change programs and complete new investments, we suggest Extending the history of eligibility for one year, by 2030Rafael Veto said the programs that lose at least 15 % of its money for the five strategic priorities. “
Member States that want to benefit from this “opportunity”, as the European Commission says, must make changes in “two months” from entering the European Commission initiative. After this stage, the committee, with the national authorities, will hold revised programs within two months. the Expecting that the process can be I was completed by the end of 2025, and the revised programs are operated by 2026.
Local and regional power changes
after Initial salute to the proposalChairman of the European Committee, He says Tütto was “optimistic” with the flexibility stipulated in the European Commission’s proposal and stressed that no country or region is required to change their plans. “It is now up to the regions and municipalities to take the opportunity. It also includes this Using freedom and not to amend the current investment plans if they are good and effective. But those who need adaptation and use of flexibility are now trained and supported to do soThese.
On behalf of representatives of the local and regional authority, Vasco Kordero, the current currentThe resident of the European Union Regional Coordination Policy Committee (COTER) argued, andThe suggestion of voluntary flexibility in the policy of cohesion to respond to the new priorities is well intended, “the European Commission should not bother” this vital tool that changes programs over and over again. ”
“Flexibility should be completed with the ability to predict. Changing the boundless priorities of risk reduce the already planned investments in the regions. In these times of uncertainty, Europeans need stability. He warned that it is necessary to rely on the regional administration authorities, because they understand the best needs of their societies.
Indeed, the head of the Portuguese delegation of the Regions Committee and the President of Valongo, Jose Manuel Ribeiro, has already highlighted the fact that the European Commission recognizes the role of regions in implementing European funds, but warned that the long -term cooperative nature of the cohesion policy. “A Recalment must be logical at the local level and not dictate it from top to bottom. Ask: What are the decisive investments that we should sacrifice with changing priorities and increasing joint financing? “He asked.
