The unequivocal condemnation of the “illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine”, her solidarity with all those who suffer and support for Ukraine was reiterated by the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metzola in her message at the 8th Cohesion Forum, which is taking place in Brussels. As Ms. Metsola mentioned in the introduction, the 8th Cohesion Forum is taking part in a difficult period for European democracy.
“Our European endeavor, our European strength, develops from the coherence of our European ambition for all the regions that together make up our European Union,” he added.
He made special reference to European solidarity, noting that it continues to stand the test of time. In this context, the President of the European Parliament said that “we must continue to stand by Ukraine”.
On the issue of energy, he stressed that with the pressure on energy sources arising from the Russian war in Ukraine, Europe must be ready for change. “Territorial cooperation – a key part of our cohesion policy – will further strengthen our communities,” he said.
In fact, he noted that after the COVID pandemic “we hoped to focus mainly on the collective reconstruction of the cohesion of our economies”, but today “we act to protect peace in Europe and to defend our democratic values” and said that as president of the European Parliament is very proud of the common unity and the ambition “to stand up against aggression in every region throughout the European Union”.
Regarding the 8th Cohesion Forum, Ms. Metsola said that it is an important political event, which gives us the opportunity to focus together on the great challenges of European cohesion policy.
Highlighting the importance of cohesion, he stressed that it is the glue that holds the European venture together. “EU cohesion policy is designed to bring Europeans together. It aims to reduce regional economic and social imbalances between EU states and regions. Together with other EU policies, it aims to improve and maintain the prosperity of all. “of European citizens in an environment of globalization, inequalities associated with the green and digital transition and the pressures on our society as a result of the war on our doorstep,” he said.
He emphasized that investments in EU cohesion policy, made through the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund and the Cohesion Fund, had enabled European Union regions to invest in and achieve greater levels of economic growth. These investments have created quality employment and the modernization of infrastructure, he added.
In particular, the President of the European Parliament stated that during the coronavirus pandemic, through cohesion policy structures, “we were able to respond quickly to a crisis and make additional funding available and readily available. This has helped Member States and regions, as he explained, to face the crisis and noted that it is a proof of the flexibility and resilience of cohesion policy, which has its roots in the spirit of solidarity.
Continuing on the same wavelength, he noted that “thanks to cohesion policy, health inequalities have been reduced across the EU”.
At the same time, Ms. Metsola acknowledged the great challenges that still exist. “Across the EU we see higher GDP and employment growth in large metropolitan areas, where growing economic activity and employment are concentrated,” he said. He estimated that a higher population density in such metropolitan areas would lead to problems of sustainable urban planning and environmental policies. The EP president added that last week, on the occasion of International Women’s Day, it was pointed out that in the least economically developed regions of Europe the gender gap officially reaches 17%. “It is unacceptable that women in less prosperous regions are at such a disadvantage compared to men and compared to women in other regions,” she said.
He also referred to the “gap in quality education”, saying it remained high and urgent action was needed.
Finally, on future cohesion policy, Metsola outlined that it should be more flexible and help stimulate innovation.
SOURCE: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ
Source: Capital
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
