Brussels, 20 February 2025
“Check against delivery”
Dear Mr. Keller,
Dear Ministers and Mayors,
Honorable Members,
Distinguished Guests,
I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude to the Rhineland Metropolitan Region and the Representation of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia to the EU for organizing this event. Thank you for the invitation. Given the significance of today’s topic, I felt it essential to be here and contribute to this important discussion.
Europe and its regions stand at a pivotal crossroads. We face numerous challenges: growing global competition, the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, energy crises, and the pressing need to transition to sustainable energy sources. We must also prioritize the circular economy and adopt more responsible and innovative industrial models. These issues are especially relevant to Europe’s industrial regions. The Rhineland Metropolitan Region, with its rich industrial heritage and strong economic leadership, is at the forefront of these transformative changes.
So, what does the future hold? And what shape will it take?
First, the future must be driven by innovation. We cannot settle for “business as usual.” The world is changing rapidly, and we must adapt. The EU Competitiveness Compass provides a clear path forward, leveraging Europe’s strengths—from its skilled workforce to the single market—to make our continent more innovative, competitive, and secure.
Second, the future must be rooted in local specificities. Every region has unique resources and potential that must be harnessed. Real transformation happens at the regional level. This is why I am reaching out to regions across Europe and why I am here today. Your region plays a strategic role in shaping Europe’s industrial future, particularly in the context of the green and digital transitions.
Cohesion policy will be central to this transformation. I have read your paper, “Power Regions of Europe,” and I welcome its proposals for a more performance-oriented approach. I also appreciate your call for simplification and flexibility.
These principles are crucial and are reflected in the Joint Statement of the Federal Government and German Länder on the future of Cohesion Policy. On January 15, I had the pleasure of meeting Secretary of State Bernhard Kluttig, where we engaged in a fruitful exchange of views. There is significant alignment between the Commission’s vision and Germany’s joint statement. We share key beliefs, such as the importance of cohesion policy as a tool for promoting sustainable, inclusive, and long-term regional economic growth. We also agree on the need to incentivize national reforms and to simplify the programming and management of funds.
Cohesion policy must focus on key priorities, adopting an approach that promotes simplification and reduces administrative burdens. It must also effectively translate the Commission’s policy guidelines into action to achieve critical objectives like competitiveness, while maintaining its core aim of economic, social, and territorial cohesion.
Currently, we face two major challenges: accelerating the implementation of the 2021-2027 cohesion programs in Member States and aligning these programs with new European priorities. The key question is: How can we modernize cohesion policy to improve short-term results? One answer lies in the mid-term review of cohesion policy—an opportunity we must seize.
Soon after my appointment as Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, I wrote to all European cohesion policy ministers, inviting them to discuss how we can enhance the absorption of cohesion funds in Member States. During these meetings, I have emphasized emerging needs and European priorities, including industrial transformation, urban agendas, affordable housing, the New European Bauhaus, and demographic challenges, particularly in islands, internal, and rural areas.
I am also engaging with members of the REGI Committee in the European Parliament and the Committee of the Regions. I believe that any decisions on cohesion policy must be made in full consultation with these institutions. This is why, during my visits to Member States, I not only meet with national officials but also with regional presidents and delegations of mayors.
I want to highlight that assigning the Cohesion and Reform portfolio to the Vice Presidency underscores the importance of this agenda. For the first time, Cohesion and Reforms will be managed alongside key policies like agriculture, transport, tourism, fisheries, and the blue economy. This integrated approach will also better prepare us for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
Cohesion policy must remain a cornerstone of Europe’s industrial transformation. Regions are at the heart of this process, and we must equip them with the tools they need. Modernizing, simplifying, and focusing on the performance of cohesion policy is essential. By investing in regions and enhancing their attractiveness through place-based policies, we ensure that all citizens have the opportunity to thrive where they call home. This requires quality jobs, affordable housing, and a robust mix of public services.
Cohesion policy should become a more efficient driver of reform. Investment alone is not enough—regions need the right frameworks and favorable conditions. As President von der Leyen has emphasized, we must develop tailor-made solutions for each country, simplify programming, respond better to territorial needs, and improve coordination between EU and national instruments to maximize impact.
All these changes must be grounded in regional experience and expertise. I speak from personal experience, having served as President of my region. I understand the critical role that regions play in implementing European policies, especially regional ones.
Regions will continue to be central to the Commission’s work. We are committed to developing cohesion and growth policy in partnership with national, regional, and local authorities. This commitment was reaffirmed in our communication ahead of the next MFF, highlighting that cohesion and growth policies will be designed and implemented collaboratively.
Partnership and multilevel governance will remain our guiding principles. As we consider how to structure planning for the next cycle, we recognize the sensitivity of this issue and the importance of a thoughtful approach.
Let me conclude by once again thanking Mr. Keller, the Rhineland Metropolitan Region, and the Representation of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia to the EU for this invitation. Maintaining our close dialogue is essential. The Rhineland’s transformation is not just a regional success story—it can serve as a model for other regions in today’s global context.
This is the true value of cohesion policy: fostering cross-border collaboration and the exchange of ideas. This is my vision, and I hope it is one we can realize together in the next MFF.
Thank you.
Source – EU Commission