A future-oriented Cohesion Policy post 2027 / by Klara J. Winkler, Anne Biewald ; on behalf of the German Environment Agency ; publisher: Umweltbundesamt

Abstract

The European Union is at a cross-road with the chance to set our path towards a sustainable and just future for all Europeans. Cohesion Policy aims for social, economic and territorial cohesion in the European Union. Cohesion Policy is a core EU policy to bring the European Union to its citizens, increase their quality of life, while driving simultaneously the green transition. A well-designed EU Cohesion Policy can function as a lever to drive the green transition and to set the foundation for a resilient and competitive economy and a liveable European Union for generations to come. In the view of the German Environment Agency, the alignment of the Cohesion Policy post 2027 needs to be future-oriented. To achieve this, the following aspects should be part of the future Cohesion Policy: regions at the center; future-oriented funding topics; earmarked funding; avoiding lock-ins, strategic regional approaches; and just transition. Investments taken today to achieve common EU objectives such as climate neutrality, circular economy, resilience and a strong innovative economy are the best insurance for the future.