During the meeting, ministers discussed the challenges facing the cohesion policy. The discussion covered, among others, the strengthening of the role of a place-based approach in order to better achieve the objectives of the Cohesion Policy in the future, especially taking into account the priorities of digitalisation and green transformation, and at the same time the current geopolitical situation and its implications for the European economy.

The cohesion policy must take account individual territorial circumstances and needs, so a place-based  approach should be a key determinant of future Cohesion Policy. To respond to new challenges, we need tailor-made solutions

- Minister Grzegorz Puda said.

Ministers competent for cohesion discussed the 8th Cohesion Report on the future of EU cohesion policy. At the meeting, Poland pointed out that flexibility is also key to the success of EU actions.

We are convinced that cohesion policy should first and foremost aim to fulfil its Treaty tasks. A certain amount of flexibility is needed to achieve this goal

- the head of the MDFRP stressed.

The minister added that Poland is not in favour of the thematic concentration of EU support for each region, strict limits and determining in advance which investments are to be financed. We believe that only an open, flexible and place-based approach can help us respond effectively to the many unprecedented challenges.

The informal meeting of EU Cohesion Policy Ministers was organised by the Slovak Minister of Investment, Regional Development and Information Technology.  The meeting was attended by delegations from Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovenia and Spain (due to the upcoming Presidency). The meeting was also attended by Commissioner E. Ferreira and a representative of the HLG - chairman of the group, professor Andrés Rodriguez-Pose.