ECR members Andrea Putzu and Juan García-Gallardo discuss the role of cohesion funding in their respective regions at the "Cohesion Fund and Opportunities for Local Governments" event organised by the ECR Party, which explored best practices, latest trends and useful tips in relation to EU cohesion funding on a local level.

Mr Putzu and Mr Gallardo shared their regional perspectives on using the funds, the obstacles they face, and the future of the EU cohesion policy beyond 2027 – the end of the current Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). 

Mr Putzu, member of the Regional Council of Marche in Italy, emphasised the need for cohesion policy to become more efficient: “We hope that in the next MFF, the cohesion policy will be more user-friendly, that is, simplified and flexible, to allow adaptation to specific regional challenges. At the same time, since they are funded by European taxpayers, the funds should become more results-oriented with adequate transparency and checks and balances." 

Mr Gallardo, Vice-President of the Castilla y León region in Spain, stressed that “the main point here is if the cohesion funds are targeted to the real needs of the regions. In many cases, European funds are designed for social engineering rather than satisfying the real needs of the European people”. 

The event, organised by the ECR Party, brought together members of the European Parliament and the European Committee of the Regions, local politicians, European Commission representatives and experts.