Cohesion is integral to competitiveness. It is an essential factor in making Europe more competitive. Its absence will negatively affect the functioning of the EU single market, the EU's global competitiveness or the possibility of achieving intra-EU objectives,

said Deputy Minister for Development Funds and Regional Policy Jan Szyszko.

The Deputy Minister stressed that a strategic framework should be created at the EU level, setting out socio-economic objectives and priorities relating to EU cohesion and territorial development, which would provide a reference point and strategic basis for action by Member States.

Jan Szyszko added that, as the EU's main tool, cohesion policy should be a catalyst for structural change. Its premise should be that all regions should be able to realise their development potential by strengthening the growth factors that are key to building long-term competitiveness and resilience.

We need investment in developing regions and in small and medium-sized enterprises so that they become large companies and can compete on global markets,

the deputy head of the Ministry for Policy and Regional Policy stressed.

Deputy Minister Jan Szyszko pointed out that the foundation and philosophy of cohesion policy after 2027 should be shared and multi-level governance and the principle of partnership. Authorities at every level, as well as social, economic and civil society partners, should play a key role in the programming, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of activities.

Government position

"Position of the Government of the Republic of Poland on the role of cohesion in the EU and the future of cohesion policy after 2027" was adopted on 3 October 2024 by the Committee for European Affairs of the Council of Ministers.

The document contains the key cohesion challenges to be addressed by cohesion policy and other policies at EU, Member State and regional level. It also indicates the Polish government's main demands regarding the shape of cohesion policy itself after 2027, so that it can effectively support cohesion, competitiveness and resilience of EU regions.

Next steps

We are at the final stage of an informal debate on the future of cohesion policy.

ccording to the rules, the European Commission should publish a draft of the new EU budget for the period by the middle of next year.