Helsinki-Uusimaa Region emphasises the importance of reforming cohesion policy as a central pillar of the EU in the upcoming programming period
The European Commission is currently preparing the financial framework for the programming period starting in 2028. The Regional Council of Helsinki-Uusimaa is actively participating in the discussion on the next financial framework and the principles of cohesion policy. The aim is to highlight the perspectives of the people of Helsinki-Uusimaa Region and ensure that the region’s goals are reflected in the upcoming financial programme.
The European Union is reforming the basis of funding from programme-based to policy-based. There is a desire to support competitiveness more effectively, but at the same time, various new geopolitical, technological, and environmental challenges highlight the need to reform cohesion policy and improve its efficiency and impact. For the vitality of Helsinki-Uusimaa, it is essential that in the upcoming EU programming period, cohesion policy strengthens the EU’s economic, social, and territorial cohesion more broadly across the entire EU, not just in the least developed regions.
Influencing the main principles of cohesion policy in the upcoming EU multiannual financial framework period is at the core of Helsinki-Uusimaa’s EU advocacy. Helsinki-Uusimaa is the second most innovative region in Europe and plays a significant role nationally
Tuija Telén, Regional Mayor of Helsinki-Uusimaa
The Regional Council of Helsinki-Uusimaa, in cooperation with the Helsinki EU Office, has prepared a statement that gathers views from stakeholders in regional development in Helsinki-Uusimaa on the EU’s future cohesion policy. The Regional Board of Helsinki-Uusimaa discussed the statement at its meeting on 27 January.
Influencing cohesion policy is at the core of EU advocacy
Cohesion policy is the EU’s most significant long-term investment policy, aimed at reducing regional disparities and creating conditions for well-being for those in weaker positions. In the current programming period 2021–2027, the budget is nearly 400 billion euros.
– Influencing the main principles of cohesion policy in the upcoming EU multiannual financial framework period is at the core of Helsinki-Uusimaa’s EU advocacy. Helsinki-Uusimaa is the second most innovative region in Europe and plays a significant leading role nationally. With cohesion funds, we create competitiveness and growth. By investing in these, we can promote the competitiveness of the whole of Europe, says Tuija Telén, Regional Mayor of Helsinki-Uusimaa.
Helsinki-Uusimaa supports the Council’s conclusions on maintaining and developing cohesion policy to strengthen the EU’s economic, social, and territorial cohesion and reduce regional disparities. The new cohesion policy is currently being prepared, and the first guidelines are expected from the March cohesion policy ministerial meeting. Telén reminds that now is the opportunity to develop genuinely impactful and effective cohesion policy across Europe. According to Telén, it is important that cohesion policy also responds to new geopolitical, technological, and environmental challenges.
Reforming European cohesion requires stronger support for regions and cities
In the upcoming programming period, stronger EU support for more developed regions is needed.
– The strong role of cities and regions should be recognized and utilised in European cohesion policy better than before. For example, money tailored and earmarked directly for cities would be an effective and impactful tool, says Pekka Timonen, Mayor of Vantaa.
– Cities and developed regions have their own specific challenges. The geopolitical situation, which affects Finland quite broadly, should also be taken into account. Segregation is particularly a challenge in the Helsinki metropolitan area, Timonen adds.
The strong role of cities and regions should be recognised and utilised in European cohesion policy better than before.
Pekka Timonen, Mayor of Vantaa
The Mayor of Helsinki, Juhana Vartiainen, also calls for the reallocation of cohesion support to all regions of Europe.
– The latest cohesion report has clear data showing that our region’s economic growth is significantly lagging behind other EU capitals. Competitive funding is absolutely essential for innovation-based growth, but other funding is also needed to accelerate growth and bridge regional disparities, Vartiainen emphasizes.
– Integration and immigration happen in cities, reminds Olli Isotalo, Deputy Mayor of Espoo. Funding instruments related to integration should be able to meet the needs of cities to develop good relations between different population groups and improve integration.
– For the sake of democratic development and security, cities should be supported in preventing hopelessness, gang formation, and radicalization, Isotalo adds.
The Helsinki-Uusimaa Region offers the following recommendations to maximise cohesion policy’s success
and impact:
- Helsinki-Uusimaa supports the Council’s conclusion (16230/23) of features that are to be kept and developed in the future. Cohesion policy must remain a key pillar of the EU and strengthen the EU’s economic, social and territorial cohesion.
- The various new geopolitical, technological and environmental challenges have emphasised the need to renew cohesion policy and to improve its effectiveness and impact.
- We call for a strong role for all regions, including more developed regions and cities.
- The cities’ role in cohesion should be emphasised with earmarked funding.
- Helsinki-Uusimaa Region encourages efforts to further simplify the management of cohesion policy, while guaranteeing high standards and level of trust.
- Helsinki-Uusimaa Region calls for the importance of multilevel-governance for cohesion policy, as well as ensuring a place-based approach in its design and programming.
- We stress that INTERREG is a flagship for cohesion policy and a fundamental instrument for cooperation for all regions across Europe and its neighbourhood.
- Cohesion policy funds should not be viewed as reserves for crises.
- Improved synergies with several funding sources should be assessed.
- The EU’s cohesion policy should continue to support regions in becoming more innovative, climate-neutral and socially inclusive.
More information:
Johanna Juselius
Chief Adviser
johanna.juselius@uudenmaanliitto.fi
National and international promotion of interests
Hilu Kangas
Senior Adviser, EU Affairs
Economical development and urban policy at Helsinki EU Office
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