The message that Ukraine and the European Union have never been closer was sent by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, speaking at the 8th Cohesion Forum, which is being held in Brussels. At the beginning of her speech, the President of the Commission referred to the “millions of Ukrainians seeking refuge in the European Union, away from their families and their country from Putin’s bombs” and contrasted the catastrophic scenes of the war with images of European citizens welcoming refugees, stressing that they show hope.
“Until the Ukrainians are able to return home safely and rebuild their independent and democratic country in peace, we will welcome and support them. Because they are part of our European family,” he said.
In particular, it focused on the CARE fund proposed by the European Commission last week, integrating it into EU cohesion policy. “It can provide employment support, for example language and training courses, or childcare facilities. CARE will help Member States receive Ukrainian refugees quickly and humanely,” he said.
He emphasized the need to focus on EU cohesion policy, and said that it was even more important now than ever before. “It is a pure force, because cohesion is accompanied by impressive financial support. We are talking about almost 400 billion euros from 2021 to 2027. With an estimated 100 billion more from the Member States. But that is not the only thing. Cohesion policy is so “It’s strong, first and foremost, because it fulfills a key promise of our Union, that all regions are equal, that European citizens, no matter where they are, can live in security and prosperity. That promise brings us here today.” . In addition, he noted that cohesion is a force for change. “Europe is at the beginning of a new transformation, we want to be the first climate-neutral continent by 2050,” she said, adding that cohesion policy would help bring about this transformation.
As a third advantage stemming from cohesion policy, he said it is the guarantee of social balance. “Both the green and the digital transition will only work for people and businesses when it is fair,” he said, adding that “everyone should be able to benefit from this transformation.”
As a fourth asset of cohesion policy he said he is a real multiplier. “Two-thirds of cohesion funds go to the least developed regions of Europe. And the returns are almost three times the initial investment. This is a rate of return that no bank and no stock portfolio can offer! This demonstrates the simple, timeless truth. When the less developed regions do better, we will all do better, and that is why cohesion policy is such a vital component of our single market. “Cohesion is a true European success story.”
Finally, the President of the European Commission stressed that cohesion policy is the tool of choice for all regions to reap the benefits of the new European development model.
SOURCE: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ
Source: Capital
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