Minister for European Affairs Strand to attend General Affairs Council meeting on cohesion policy

Minister for European Affairs Strand to attend General Affairs Council meeting on cohesion policy

Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand will represent Finland at the EU General Affairs Council meeting on cohesion issues in Brussels on Thursday 28 November. The main theme of the meeting will be a discussion on the future management model for cohesion policy.

The ministers will hold a policy debate on strengthening the key assets of cohesion policy and improving the shared management of cohesion funds in the future.

In Finland's view, it is important to reform the existing EU funding programmes to better meet future challenges. Finland is open to looking into performance-based models to strengthen the impact of funding in Europe in connection with the next financial framework. Finland also emphasises the importance of effective supervision of EU funds and the protection of the EU's financial interests. The management of EU-funded measures should also be simplified in order to lighten the administrative burden.

"EU funding programmes should effectively serve the key priorities of the Union, such as competitiveness, security and the clean transition. It is especially important to ensure that EU funding is closely linked to respect for the rule of law, efforts to prevent the misuse of funds and anti-corruption measures in the future, too," Minister Strand said.

The meeting is also expected to approve conclusions on the role of cohesion policy in addressing demographic challenges in the EU. Finland is prepared to accept the conclusions.

At the meeting, the Lithuanian delegation, together with Estonia, Latvia and Poland, will present a joint declaration on building strong and resilient EU regions bordering aggressor countries using cohesion funds.

The aim of the EU's cohesion policy is to narrow development gaps between regions and to provide a basis for prosperity and wellbeing for people in vulnerable positions. The overall objective is to ensure a better economic, social and regional balance in Europe.

Inquiries: Alexander Lång, Special Adviser, tel. +358 295 160 866 and Satu Keskinen, State Under-Secretary for EU Affairs, tel. +358 295 160 302, Prime Minister's Office