Philenews

Cohesion Policy Linked to Competitiveness and Resilience

Published February 26, 2026, 12:11
Cohesion Policy Linked to Competitiveness and Resilience

Minister of Finance Makis Keravnos underscored the importance of cohesion policy in the European agenda, within the framework of the Cypriot Presidency, during the Council General Affairs meeting on Cohesion Policy in Brussels. He emphasized that the EU's strategic autonomy is based on competitiveness and economic resilience, and cohesion policy directly contributes to strengthening these. The meeting focused on two main topics: the approval of conclusions on cities and the mid-term review of cohesion policy for the period 2021-2027. The discussion on cities centered on their role in economic, social, and territorial cohesion, social inclusion, competitiveness, and innovation. Regarding the mid-term review, ways to design incentives and greater flexibility for the next programming period were examined to strengthen alignment with EU strategic priorities, taking into account economic and geopolitical changes. The discussion included the need to enhance the administrative and operational capacity of Member States and regions. Additionally, the need for targeted support for regions with particular challenges, such as the eastern border regions of the EU, was discussed. The meeting marks the beginning of the Cypriot Presidency with the motto “an autonomous Union, open to the world,” emphasizing the link between cohesion policy and the competitiveness and resilience of the economy.