A stronger cohesion policy for EU cities and eastern border regions
MEPs are expected to demand that future cohesion policy uphold the ‘right to stay’ in EU cities and strengthen support for regions facing Russian aggression.
The two reports come at a decisive moment for the future architecture of the EU’s cohesion policy, as Parliament finalises its position on several files comprising the post-2027 legislative package, including the national and regional partnership plans (NRPP), the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Cohesion Fund, Interreg, and other related instruments, ahead of interinstitutional negotiations.
Putting cities at the centre of cohesion policy
MEPs are expected to push the Commission to implement the ‘right to stay’ principle into the 2028–2034 multiannual financial framework (MFF), with cohesion funding to support affordable housing, quality jobs, essential public services, transport, healthcare and connectivity, particularly in cities and territories facing demographic decline and depopulation. The debate will take place on Monday, followed by a vote on Tuesday.
A dedicated strategy for eastern border regions
Recognising the specific challenges facing regions exposed to Russia’s military aggression, hybrid threats and geopolitical pressure, a second, related report up for plenary vote on Thursday calls for greater cohesion investments in digital infrastructure, connectivity, civil preparedness, resilience and dual-use infrastructure. It also proposes ring-fenced allocations of up to 10% of the budgets of relevant EU funding instruments, alongside at least €150 million in dedicated Interreg funding to compensate for losses following the suspension of cooperation with Russia and Belarus.
Debate: Monday 19 October (cities)
Votes: Tuesday 20 October (cities) / Thursday 22 October (border regions)
Procedure: own-initiative reports