The last 20 years of cohesion policy show the urgent need for reform [Advocacy Lab Content]

This article is part of our special report EUYou – Europe is you.

On the 20th anniversary of the EU in 2004, and ahead of the next wave of enlargement, there is an ongoing debate about the future of cohesion policy. A debate at the 22nd European Week of the Regions highlighted the significant economic and political benefits brought by the accession of 10 new Member States, but also the need for continued reform and support for candidate countries.

Speakers underlined the importance of decentralisation, democratic governance and the role of local and regional authorities in the enlargement process. The discussion also touched on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the country’s determination to pursue EU membership despite the challenges.

There is an increasingly active dialogue on what reforms are needed to overhaul cohesion policy, because while the EU’s catch-up system is superficially successful, it has many weaknesses, according to an interesting panel discussion at the European Committee of the Regions looking back over the past 10 years. The speakers included Marek Wozniak, Nikola Dobroslavic, Antje Grotheer, Tetiana Yehgorova-Lutsenko, and Danela Arsovska, each offering unique perspectives on the enlargement process and its implications for the future.

Marek Wozniak, representing the Polish delegation, highlighted the significant successes of the 2004 EU enlargement. He emphasized that this enlargement was a historic moment that strengthened the European community both economically and politically. Wozniak noted that the accession of the 10 new member states led to a 27% increase in the EU’s economy and a 40% rise in the internal movement of goods.

He also pointed out that exports from countries like Spain and Italy to the new member states increased by 100% and 70% respectively, indicating robust economic integration. Additionally, Wozniak mentioned the benefits of the common agricultural policy and cohesion policy, which have driven development and progress in the new member states. He cited improvements in infrastructure, environmental protection, and climate action as key outcomes of the enlargement.

Wozniak also stressed the importance of human capital development and the positive impact of educated young citizens from the new member states who have contributed to societies in the older EU countries. He noted that the GDP per capita in the new member states has risen from 52% of the European average to 80%, with unemployment rates dropping significantly. Wozniak concluded by emphasizing that the success story of the 2004 enlargement should inspire the EU to continue its enlargement efforts, as it has brought satisfaction and progress to both the new and old member states.

Nikola Dobroslavic, the CoR rapporteur on the Enlargement package 2023 for the Western Balkans and Turkey, underscored the importance of completing the reunification of Europe through further enlargement. He argued that the accession of new countries should be based on meeting specific criteria, including the rule of law, compliance with EU foreign and security policy, media freedom, and the fight against corruption.

Dobroslavic emphasized that the enlargement process is not just about economic and security benefits but also about promoting democracy, good governance, and regional development. He noted that the EU must continue to encourage and support enlargement countries in their transformative processes, ensuring that they meet the necessary conditions for membership.

Dobroslavic also highlighted the role of local and regional authorities in the enlargement process, stressing the need for increased financial aid and cooperation with the Committee of the Regions. He suggested extending the TAIEX program and establishing Joint Consultative Committees (JCCs) for countries like Albania, Ukraine, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Dobroslavic concluded by emphasizing the need for the EU to adjust its cohesion policy to the new reality of a staged enlargement, ensuring that the process remains beneficial for both the EU and the candidate countries.

Antje Grotheer, the CoR rapporteur on the Enlargement Package 2023 for Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia, spoke about the importance of European integration as a project of peace and prosperity. She noted that the enlargement process is a continuous journey that requires adaptation and cooperation from all parties involved.

Grotheer emphasized the need for the EU to support candidate countries in their transformative processes while also being open to new challenges and innovations. She highlighted the role of cities and regions in explaining the benefits of EU enlargement to their citizens, stressing the importance of local and regional authorities in promoting European values and integration.

Grotheer also discussed the need for the EU to strengthen its commitment to cohesion and unity, ensuring that economic development is distributed more evenly across the union. She noted that the enlargement process is not just about the candidate countries but also about the EU itself, as it must learn and adapt to the changing dynamics of a larger and more diverse union.

Grotheer concluded by emphasizing the importance of supporting young politicians and fostering a mutual understanding between the EU and the candidate countries, ensuring that the enlargement process remains a positive and beneficial experience for all parties involved.

Tetiana Yehgorova-Lutsenko, President of the Ukrainian Association of District and Regional Councils and Head of the Kharkiv Regional Council, discussed Ukraine’s journey towards EU membership. She emphasized the importance of constant reform and the strengthening of democratic institutions for successful integration.

Yehgorova-Lutsenko noted that Ukraine has been implementing reforms and working on its decentralization process even during the ongoing conflict, demonstrating its commitment to European values and standards. She also highlighted the support Ukraine has received from cities and regions across Europe, expressing gratitude for the solidarity shown during this challenging time.

Yehgorova-Lutsenko stressed the need for Ukraine to continue its reform efforts, focusing on areas such as market economy, competitiveness, and integration into the EU’s single market. She also emphasized the importance of strengthening the rule of law and democratic institutions, as well as promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms. Yehgorova-Lutsenko concluded by expressing Ukraine’s determination to move forward on its path to EU membership, despite the ongoing war, and thanking the Committee of the Regions for its support and cooperation.

Danela Arsovska, Mayor of Skopje, North Macedonia, spoke about the importance of decentralization reforms and the role of local governments in the EU integration process. She emphasized the need for effective multilateralism and the implementation of EU legislation at the local and regional levels. Arsovska noted that decentralization is essential for improving governance, increasing citizen participation, and enhancing service delivery. She also stressed the importance of local governments in promoting European values and integration, as they are closest to the citizens and can address their specific needs and concerns.

Arsovska discussed the challenges faced by local governments, including political interference, corruption, and resource constraints. She noted that these challenges can hinder the EU integration process and undermine the effectiveness of local governance. Arsovska also highlighted the need for greater gender equality in local governance, noting the significant decline in the number of women mayors across Europe.

She concluded by emphasizing the importance of supporting young girls and women in their political aspirations, ensuring that they have equal opportunities to succeed and participate in the European project. Arsovska called for a more inclusive and diverse EU that reflects the strengths and values of all its members.

Source: euractiv.com