EU amends cohesion policy to tackle security, economic challenges

BRUSSELS, Sept 18 (KUNA) -- The Council of the European Union adopted Thursday a series of new laws as part of the mid-term review of cohesion policy, aimed at strengthening the Union's ability to address current and emerging economic, social and territorial challenges.
In a press statement, Danish Minister for European Affairs Marie Bjerre, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the EU, said that "the legislation adopted today will enable member states to spend EU cohesion funds on defense, security, and civil preparedness to better address current and future challenges," stressing that this represents "an important step towards a European Union that takes responsibility for its own security." The Danish presidency explained that the amended regulations cover the European Regional Development Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the Just Transition Fund, and the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+). The amendments focus on aligning investment priorities with the evolving economic, social and geopolitical context, as well as with the EU's climate and environment objectives.
The new amendments aim to direct cohesion policy investments towards new priorities, including defense and security, competitiveness, decarburization, affordable housing, secure access to water, sustainable water management and resilience, as well as the energy transition.
It also introduce greater flexibility and incentives to accelerate the deployment of available resources and the implementation of programmes.
The new regulations will be published in the EU's Official Journal in the coming days and will enter into force the day after publication. (end) arn.aa