Debate contributions by Raffaele FITTO

Mr President, I would like to thank you for your contributions to this important discussion. The Cyprus issue and its settlement remains a key priority for the EU. Our position is clear and consistent: we support all efforts towards reunification in line with the United Nations Security Council resolutions and our common European values, and reject any unilateral action that undermines international law and the United Nations framework. We remain ready to assist with all tools at our disposal. Beyond our political commitment, the EU will also continue its practical support on the ground. Through the aid programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, we will keep fostering dialogue, economic development and confidence‑building measures, each helping to prepare the conditions for unification. Let me conclude with a message of commitment, solidarity and hope: commitment to dialogue; solidarity with all Cypriots – Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots; and hope for a united island.

Mr President, honourable Minister, honourable Members, the de facto division of Cyprus remains a profound concern for the EU. It is regrettable, and has many negative consequences, not only for all Cypriots, but for Europe as a whole. For far too many years, this division has been an obstacle to peace, stability and reconciliation. The EU has always been clear: we recognise only the Republic of Cyprus as a subject of international law. Our position is firmly grounded in the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. The EU has also repeatedly stated that the only solution for Cyprus is the reunification of the island. The EU remains fully committed to a comprehensive settlement within the United Nations framework, in line with the principles on which our Union is founded and with the acquis. This is the vision that continues to guide all our engagement on the Cyprus issue. We are also happy to see the renewed efforts by the United Nations and the personal engagement of Secretary-General Guterres. The appointment of a new personal envoy on Cyprus, and the readiness of all actors to re-engage in talks give us hope. To support their reunification efforts, the Commission has designated former Commissioner Johannes Hahn as a special envoy for Cyprus in 2025. He has since travelled to the islands and reached out to both communities to explore how the EU can best assist the UN-led settlement process. Recent developments, in particular the change in leadership in the Turkish Cypriot community, can open a new window of opportunity to move forward. This window of opportunity must not close without progress. We hope that the coming months will lead to more concrete discussions towards the resumption of the formal settlement process. The EU counts on all parties to play a constructive and positive role in the discussion, and we are ready to use all the means at our disposal to support. Beyond diplomatic engagement, the Commission is also continuing its work to create the conditions for future reunification on the ground. We aim, through our work, to foster engagement, cooperation and inclusion between both the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. One of the most tangible expressions of this support is the EU aid programme for the Turkish Cypriot community. The European Commission has allocated EUR 760 million to this programme since 2006. It is a programme that aims to promote the socio-economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community, reduce isolation, support civil society and support confidence-building measures. It also helps promote EU values and prepare for the full application of the EU acquis after reunification. This assistance does not imply recognition. Rather, it embodies the EU's commitment to create the conditions necessary for a comprehensive and lasting settlement. Honourable Members, our goal is clear: to support all Cypriots in building a shared European future. A solution to the Cyprus issue would be highly beneficial for Cyprus and its citizens, and for the security and stability of the eastern Mediterranean. Indeed, this question is central to the EU-Türkiye relationship. A solution would open a new chapter not only for Cyprus, but for the entire region. The settlement of the Cyprus issue remains a key priority, and the Commission will continue to stand by the Cypriot people, by the United Nations and by all those who work tirelessly for a comprehensive and lasting settlement.

Mr President, many thanks for this rich and useful discussion, and to the rapporteurs and the shadow rapporteurs for their work. I have taken good note of your views. You raised many valid and useful points, for example, on simplification. The new MFF proposal introduced a single set of rules for more funds. Concerning flexibility, dedicated financial reserves will allow Member States and regions to address emerging needs or unforeseen shocks. Regions will remain central – they will be central in the design and implementation of the National and Regional Partnership Plans in the new MFF. The other points you mentioned should form the basis of our continuing discussions on the work. There is a long road ahead of us. We are just at the beginning. Let us continue to work together for a modernised cohesion policy which delivers for all regions.

Mr President, honourable Members, let me start by thanking the REGI Committee for the great work, especially the rapporteurs and the shadow rapporteurs. The three reports we discuss today show your strong commitment to cohesion policy. In the coming months, we will work together to shape the future EU budget and the modernisation of cohesion policy. Today's reports show the way. First, honourable Member Mullooly, my thanks for your report on cohesion policy and the just transition. Our shared goal is clear: a climate-neutral competitive economy that leaves no person and no region behind. The Just Transition Fund has already made a real difference, supporting the region's workers and communities that are most affected. Fourty-six per cent of just transition funding is now contracted, with over EUR 12 billion worth of projects selected. This instrument will deliver on its objectives. The local plans are key. Stakeholders and decision-makers work together to define the way forward, which adds legitimacy and value. But the Member States and the regions are not alone in implementation. The Commission provides targeted support, for example, through the Just Transition Platform. In addition, the flexibilities introduced by the mid-term review will accelerate Just Transition Fund investment. Second, honourable Member Ros Sempere, my thanks for your report on cohesion policy and the housing crisis. We all agree: this is one of the most pressing social challenges across Europe, and we are determined to meet this challenge with the new European affordable housing plan. We are enabling Member States to double cohesion investment in affordable housing. As you know, housing is one of the five new priorities of the mid-term review, and the proposal offers flexibilities and incentives. But we do know that the housing crisis is a very complex phenomenon, and that cohesion policy alone cannot solve it. Complementary funding sources and measures, including revised state aid rules, are essential. That is why we will continue to work closely with the European Parliament, and we will continue to raise awareness and encourage Member States to use all possible sources of investment to support affordable housing. The New European Bauhaus prizes, which will be awarded in the plenary room in Brussels at the end of the month, shows that cohesion policy has a role to play to support affordable, sustainable and inclusive housing solutions for our citizens. Finally, honourable Member Prebilič, my thanks for your report on simplification and cohesion policy. We agree that the current period has already introduced significant simplification measures, and the mid-term review will take simplification a step further. We all agree that flexibility and simplification are key to making cohesion policy work. They were the main reason behind the mid-term review and the approach we used to shape the proposal for the next multiannual budget. The Commission's proposal for the future financial framework already addressed many of your recommendations. Our proposal reaffirmed the fundamental principles of cohesion policy: shared management, partnership, multi-level governance and a place-based approach. The next budget also has a strong focus on less developed and disadvantaged regions. Regions will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the policy actions which benefit them. In terms of funding in the national and regional plans, EUR 450 billion will be available for cohesion policy, rural development and fisheries communities. On this, at least EUR 218 billion must be dedicated to the less developed regions. The spirit of shared management and partnership is dear to me. I firmly believe that partnership is the key for cohesion policy success, and it is in this spirit of partnership that I am here today. I look forward to our discussion and to work together.

Mr President, many thanks for this rich and interesting discussion, it will frame my thinking as we continue our work together in the coming months and years. With this package, we are creating a unique opportunity. Now it is up to the Member States and regions to answer the call to make the necessary programme amendments. The European Commission is ready to support, because we must all continue our collective efforts, further adapting the cohesion policy to Europe's new challenges: modern, ready for the future and continuing its mission to leave no region behind. I look forward to continuing our collaboration. Even during the preparation of this package, dialogue with the REGI Committee and Members of the European Parliament has been extremely valuable. We will maintain the same openness and willingness to work together on cohesion, particularly as we approach the next multiannual financial framework. Regarding the rule of law that has been mentioned by several Members, I want to be clear: as I told you before, I sent a letter to Mr Benea that underlines that the Commission remains committed to ensuring that rule of law is upheld in the implementation of the funds, and will assess any request for programme amendments in line with the CPR, the conditionality and the Medium Term Review Regulation.

Mr President, honourable Members, thank you for the opportunity to address today's debate. Let me first thank the rapporteur, Mr Benea, the shadow rapporteurs and the Council for your work, for your spirit of cooperation and for reaching this important agreement. The EU has faced significant challenges in recent years. Some are being addressed. Many are still ongoing, while new ones continue to emerge. In a context of uncertainty and rapid change, cohesion policy is one of our best instruments and resources to face these challenges and to enable Europe to act and react, to make Europe able to continue its mission of reducing disparities, promoting balanced territorial development, ensuring that every European, wherever they choose to live, shares in our success and prosperity, and to do it now. The compromise package that you will vote tomorrow is a unique opportunity to modernise cohesion policy, to respond effectively to the challenges of competitiveness, defence, housing, water resilience and the energy transition, to enable regions to invest even more in these joint EU priorities areas and to support citizens with effective action. I am glad to say that the mid-term review reflects the efforts of all of us. It is the result of our exchanges, the discussions in the REGI Committee, the debates in this chamber, the meetings with the rapporteurs, the meetings with the regions and the territories. Many times, we have agreed on the need for greater flexibility. The areas of intervention and the priorities for allocating resources are also widely shared. The mid-term review prioritises widening investment in affordable and sustainable housing. The package also reflects Parliament's support for a comprehensive approach to civilian preparedness, as well as the new priority areas, such as promoting energy flows across Europe. To boost Europe's competitive edge and to close the innovation gap, the legislation includes measures to increase investment in strategic technologies, in particular those contributing to the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform. We also focus our support for the decarbonisation of production capacities, the development of resilient defence infrastructure, prioritising TEN-T of a dual use in nature, including to foster military mobility in the Union and for eastern border regions. The package includes many other useful flexibilities as well as additional incentives, including higher pre- and co-financing rates. The compromise also strengthens the respect for the rule of law. As reiterated in our statement, the Commission remains committed to ensuring the rule of law is haphazard in the implementation of cohesion funds. Dear Members, the mid-term review is very important and highly needed by the territories, which is why the Commission has already received many requests. A positive outcome will mean greater opportunities for the territories, as well as certainty in timing and implementation. Through these targeted amendments of the mid-term review, the cohesion policy will be more agile and responsive, aligned both with EU values and today's realities. Many thanks again for your work and for this agreement. I look forward to our discussion.

Madam President, first of all, I would like to thank the two rapporteurs, Negrescu and Mureşan, for their work. Thank you for all interventions, of which I have taken good note. I appreciate your acknowledgement that the RRF played a vital role in stabilising our economies. With just over one year of implementation remaining, it is clear that certain aspects require improvement. I also hear your call for greater transparency regarding the final recipients of RRF funds, as well as for more effective engagement with stakeholders and regional and local authorities. The European Parliament has been instrumental in shaping the RRF. Your input provided valuable feedback to the Commission on this unique instrument. We share the objective of realising its full potential by maximising implementation. The Commission continues working with Member States to maximise implementation and the impact. As already announced in the communication on the mid-term review of a modernised cohesion policy, the Commission urges Member States to identify investment under the RRF that might not be completed by August 2026, and that could be considered for funding from the Cohesion Fund, provided that such investment is not subjected to double funding. I look forward to our ongoing close cooperation to ensure that the facility continues to meet its objectives with the highest level of accountability and transparency.

Madam President, honourable Chairs, honourable Members, I would like to start by thanking this House for our ongoing collaboration and support. The Facility has been a game changer in Europe's response to the impacts of the pandemic. The RRF has had a great stabilising effect on European economies. It also helped drive the implementation of important reforms. That being said, implementation is delayed. Overall, 51 % of the RRF's total committed funds still need to be disbursed and 68 % of milestones and targets still need to be assessed as fulfilled, even though Member States have already reported that, of those, 20 % are completed. In this regard, the RRF implementation report is an important input to the discussion. Two weeks ago, the Commission adopted a communication on NextGenerationEU – the road to 2026. The communication reviews progress, recalls the legal deadlines and proposes ways to speed up implementation. The Commission takes note of the call in the implementation report for an 18-month extension of the deadline for mature projects under the RRF. The RRF was created as a temporary supporting instrument, and the RRF regulation is explicit about completing all milestones and targets by the end of August 2026, and making the last payments and the respective borrowing by the end of December 2026. These deadlines cannot be changed without amending the RRF Regulation, the EURI Regulation and the Own Resources Decision. As you know, the latter requires unanimity in Council and ratification by a number of national parliaments. The Commission prioritises legal certainty while providing options to accelerate implementation and to ensure completion by the end of the Facility. The Commission is urging Member States to review their plans as soon as possible, to only retain measures that can be implemented by the end of August 2026. Member States can explore several options, including scaling-up successful measures, funding critical projects that have been awarded the STEP Seal, transferring funds to InvestEU or to EU programmes for satellite communication. Member States can also split RRF projects to ensure that elements no longer achievable by August 2026 are financed by national or, if eligible, other EU funds with a longer timeline, such as the Cohesion Policy. RRF funds could also be used to deliver additional important benefits for common EU priorities, including security and defence. A possible option would be to make voluntary contributions to the future European defence industry programme. Another important point is simplification, which is necessary to reduce the administrative burden. Of course, the plans will have to continue to meet the assessment criteria and the requirements linked to the protection of the EU's financial interests. If the plans are simplified and revised quickly, we are confident that the RRF will reach its objectives within the set deadlines. The implementation report also raises concerns as regards transparency, monitoring and control within the framework of the RRF. The Commission is firmly committed to high levels of accountability. Last April, 24 Member States updated the data on their 100 largest final recipients, and the Commission is following up with the remaining Member States. Following the request from the Chair of the CONT Committee in the context of the 2023 discharge, the Commission asked all Member States to provide a list of the 100 largest natural persons or entities receiving funds under the RRF per Member State, including contractors and subcontractors. To conclude, I look forward to the debate and hearing your views.

Mr President, thank you for your contribution, of which I have taken good note. I appreciate your insights on the challenges the rural areas face and the significant role that cohesion policy plays in shaping the future of the EU's rural areas. You rightly point out the development of infrastructure, particularly in the fields of transport, energy and digital connectivity, alongside essential services for improving the quality of life in rural areas. The reduction of economic, social and territorial disparities will continue to remain at the core of cohesion policy, providing critical support to rural areas. Your report and interventions today reaffirm this importance and will further guide our discussions and our work for the future of rural areas. I would like to give only two messages. First, many problems that you mentioned are the priority of the mid-term review, like water, housing, energy and competitiveness. And I remember to all of you that mid-term review is a voluntary basis. So defence is a possibility. And in particular for eastern border regions that have to face not only the challenge regarding defence but also the new economic challenges. Second message, we can work together using also the new governance of the European Commission. As you know, under my executive vice-presidency we have a coordination of three commissioners: agriculture, tourism and transport, fisheries and blue economy. And I agreed with the three commissioners that we must work with a common vision to prepare the strategy for internal rural areas, starting by this important and very positive report.

Madam President, honourable Members, first, I would like to thank rapporteur Nesci and all the shadow rapporteurs for this important and timely report. I fully agree with your analysis. Rural areas are central to our European way of life, and they are essential for Europe's competitiveness and resilience. I welcome the report's recognition that cohesion policy plays a crucial role in strengthening rural areas. Supporting rural areas is a high priority for the Commission. As rightly emphasised in the report, cohesion policy already delivers significant support in rural areas. This complements the rural development interventions provided by the common agricultural policy. Investment in broadband, transport, clean energy, small and medium enterprises and innovation, and in health, education and local infrastructure, enhances economic and social cohesion. However, challenges like skills shortages, the digital divide, demographic decline and the limited access to essential services persist. As correctly underlined in the report, we need further efforts to provide our rural areas with adequate tools to overcome the considerable challenges they face, which have an increasing impact on regional competitiveness and social cohesion. A particular priority for me is the right to stay – the right of every European to remain in the place they call home. This is also fundamental for young generations of farmers, which is one of the key challenges in our farming sector. The Commission committed to further promote generational renewal in the agricultural sector through a dedicated strategy later this year. Several regions in the EU are facing the problem of depopulation. This has led to a sharp decline for their working-age population. Apart from the tools under cohesion policy and the common agricultural policy, social policies and social innovation can help address this. Through the Harnessing Talent Platform, we are also actively working with 82 regions, including 27 mainly rural regions, to develop local strategies that retain talent and allow for smart adjustments to demographic challenges. In addition, the mid-term review of cohesion policy programmes puts the focus on several areas of key concern for rural areas, providing incentives and flexibilities for goals such as water resilience, housing, energy transition and greater competitiveness innovation. For example, water resilience – we have seen regions facing water scarcity while others are affected by floods. Through the mid-term review, we propose changes to encourage investment in water resilience, including digitalisation of water infrastructure, and mitigation of drought and desertification impacts. The mid-term review proposal will deliver a more responsive cohesion policy, aligned with today's realities, and better addressing current and future challenges. Earlier this year, Commissioner Hansen and I presented the new Vision for Agriculture and Food, strengthening the synergies between policies to help rural areas, updating our rural action plan and further developing rural proofing, as well as the Rural Pact. With this in mind, the Commission collaborates with the agrifood sector, ensuring that the sector remains competitive, resilient, attractive for future generations, and profitable. Finally, you highlighted in your report the need to simplify administrative procedures by reducing red tape for farmers and small rural businesses. Here, I am happy to point out that in May, the European Commission adopted the omnibus proposal on agriculture, responding to the need to simplify the policy. To conclude, this report makes a valuable contribution to the future of rural areas. Collaboration is key. We need to work together. This requires action and partnership across all levels of governance to modernise, simplify and reinforce the cohesion policy, providing tailored solutions to the unique situation of every territory in Europe, with the rural regions at the heart of our efforts. I now look forward to the debate and to hearing your views.

Madam President, Members, thank you for this debate. Let me begin by thanking you all for your valuable contributions. I have listened closely to your comments and concerns. Your insights this evening confirm a strong, shared commitment to the future of cohesion policy, one that is modern, responsive and grounded in the real needs of our regions. The status quo is not an option. You spoke about the role of the regions, the role of the cities, less bureaucracy, defending the principles of cohesion, defending the financial dimension, the simplification; these are the most important issues that you raised and I agree with you, but it's important to underline some points. For example, we cannot defend the cohesion policy as it is if we want to give a future to this policy. About defence, for example, you know that – some of you know that and said that –defence now is a new opportunity that the Commission gives with the mid-term review. Well, you know that the current programmes are already financing some projects on defence. The mid-term review gives the possibility on a voluntary basis to use all of the five priorities, or some of the priorities, or, if the Member States can simply decide to not use the mid-term review, solve the problem. There is not an obligatory decision of the European Commission. There is not a transfer of money from cohesion. I want to be clear, it's important to be clear about this point. This is a voluntary basis. And now we have these opportunities because in the current programmes, without a mid-term review, there is the opportunity, the possibility, to use the resources of cohesion for defence. We have some clear examples in this way. It's important to have the right approach between us, because I think that for the mid-term review to be successful, we must act swiftly and a modernised policy framework needs to be in place as soon as possible so that Member States and the regions can choose which investments should be directed towards our new and emerging priorities without delay. At the same time, we must remain attentive to the ongoing challenges that many EU regions continue to face – challenges clearly highlighted in the Cohesion Report. We also have a duty to ensure that every euro we spend delivers maximum impact. Honourable Members, cohesion policy has proven its value time and again. Its core principles – partnership, shared management, multi-level governance, place-based approach – are not just a technical terms, they are what makes this policy work, what brings Europe closer to its citizens. With a renewed vision and determination, we can build on these foundations and shape a cohesion policy fit for the future. I will continue to engage closely with this House, with the Member States, with the regions, with the mayors, and with all authorities in the weeks and months ahead to listen, to learn, to create tailored solutions for every region. This has been and will always remain my approach. Thank you once again for this valuable exchange and for your continued commitment to Europe's regions and citizens. And thank you again, Mr Protas, for this report. I think that this is a very positive basis for our work for the next weeks or the next months. It is not simple, the debate for the future, but I think that it's important to build one position between us. I think that there isn't a different approach. Now we need to have only one voice, not to defend cohesion policy, but to relaunch and modernised cohesion policy. These are our challenges and I count on you about this future and for the next steps that together we will have for these important challenges.

Mr President, honourable Members, thank you for the opportunity to address you today. First, let me thank the rapporteur, Mr Protas, for preparing this important report. This is particularly timely. I very much welcome the strong alignment with the Commission's perspective. This shared perspective reinforces the fundamental message of the 9th Cohesion Report. Cohesion policy has a positive and significant impact in terms of convergence. It reduces the disparities among EU Member States and regions, it stimulates long-term growth and competitiveness, and it plays a key role in supporting public investment. To continue to achieve our goals, we need to bring the cohesion policy up to date, considering the current situations and challenges that we are facing. If we want a stronger, more resilient and competitive Europe, we must reinforce and relaunch the cohesion policy – both for the present and for the future. As many of you know, the mid-term review of the cohesion programme has been a central focus for me during these past months. The Commission's recent proposals respond directly to many of your concerns. The proposal will bring more flexibility, more incentives and simple rules to allow Member States and the regions to respond to urgent challenges now – not waiting for the next period. In this regard, I would like to stress certain important aspects. First, the new priorities identified are affordable housing, water resilience, energy transition, competitiveness and defence. Second, since compliance with the review is voluntary, it will be up to each Member State to decide whether and how to update its programmes. Third, the cohesion policy funds remain under the shared responsibility of Member States and the regions under shared management. My ambition is clear: to modernise, simplify and strengthen cohesion policy so that it is more targeted and responsive, keeping our regions at the centre, and fully respecting the diversity and specific needs of our territories. This ambition is based on four key pillars. First, a tailor-made solution for the Member States will include the key reforms and investment, focusing on our joint priorities. They will be designed and implemented in close partnership with the national, regional and local authorities. I would like to underline that the principles of partnership, shared management, multilevel governance and the place-based approach will remain core principles of the cohesion policy. Second, we must also make cohesion policy more accessible, with fewer administrative burdens. We will work to reduce complexity and offer a more performance-based delivery mode to increase speed and efficiency, as underlined in your report. I will continue to advocate for a strong territorial dimension. This will ensure the cohesion policy addresses the real challenges faced by regions undergoing structural transitions, as your report rightly identifies. This includes our eastern border regions as well as less developed peripheral, remote and rural areas, islands and outermost regions. Honourable Members, I remain fully committed to the principles this House defends. The cohesion policy core mission has always been to stimulate growth and development across the EU. This mission remains as vital as ever, and this report marks an important step forward in that journey. Let us work together, speaking with one strong and united voice to make this mission a success.

Mr President, thank you for this very engaging and substantive discussion. It is clear that we all are determined to act together to push the European agenda of competitiveness and security, and deliver on our main priorities. The EIB Group will remain an important player in this. I want to say this now, because we are working, for example, for the mid-term review of the cohesion policy, with the five new priorities. I heard during this discussion some of these points – for example, water, housing, competitiveness. I think this can be an important occasion to reinforce this cooperation in this way. The EIB Group is our natural closest partner, and we are aligned on our strategic priorities. We will continue to rely on the EIB Group to support the implementation of our agenda and adjust our support in view of new and emerging priorities when needed. I look forward to continuing our close cooperation, with the common goal of achieving greater impact inside and outside the Union.

Mr President, Vice-President of the EIB, dear rapporteur, honourable Members, I would like to thank the European Parliament for the opportunity to present the Commission's views in this regard. This was another year of positive cooperation with our long-standing partner, the European Investment Bank group, which we value very much. It is essential that our institutions keep working together as strategic partners. Today, the EIB group has been provided indispensable financial support to ensure implementation of the EU priorities on the ground. This concerns areas such as energy, electricity distribution, networks, water, social and affordable housing, education and the mobile network, to name just a few. We welcome the eight strategic priorities of the EIB Strategic Roadmap adopted last year. They are well-aligned with EU priorities, including new ones such as defence and security. The projects and the investments carried out by the EIB also contribute to the competitiveness agenda of the current Commission. This agenda critically depends on the ability of highly innovative start-ups. This is especially relevant in areas such as AI, quantum computing and deep tech, biotech and clean tech, or in the defence sector. Given the scale of the investment needed, as mentioned in the Draghi report, we will have to strive to attract institutional investors, such as the insurers and the pension funds to leverage all available resources. The Commission and the EIB group should continue working together to identify all options available. At the same time, we encourage the EIB group to further exploit the risk-taking potential, to foster higher additionally in its interventions and avoid the risk of crowding out other investors. In March, the Commission published the communication on the Savings and Investments Union. I therefore welcome the EIB's recent initiative to address the most challenging needs of strategically important, innovative companies. These initiatives, such as the European Tech Champions Initiative 2.0, aimed to scale-up venture capital investments, facilitate easier exits of the venture funds, thus allowing circularity of investment and better use of available funds. The Commission has strongly connected competitiveness to simplification: one cannot exist without the other. Our strategy on implementation and simplification for the next five years aims at making sure that EU rules are as simple and cost-effective as possible, and that they deliver on the ground to achieve our economic, social, security and environmental goals. We are working closely with the EIB to deliver on our simplification agenda, for example via the Invest EU omnibus regulation. Outside the EU, the role of EIB Global will be crucial in delivering EU policy priorities and enhancing the EU's visibility and development impact. The EIB remains our important partner in ensuring continued support to Ukraine now and in the long-term. In April, the Commission witnessed the signature of four new EIB operations, which will address Ukraine's most pressing recovery needs, supporting municipalities in renewable energy and energy efficiency, water infrastructure and district heating. These projects, backed by the EU budget through the Ukraine Facility, reflect our commitment to Ukraine's long-term resilience and to its people. In this regard and in view of an increasingly difficult geopolitical context, strengthening EU security and defence has been brought to the forefront of our agenda. Rebuilding Europe's defence capabilities requires urgent and significant investment. In March, the Commission presented the ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030 initiative to facilitate a unique surge in defence investment. It aims to unlock up to EUR 800 billion of additional defence expenditures – a game changer for European defence. The EIB has a clear role to play here, particularly in supporting the investments needed to ramp up the defence industry. This also includes targeted support for small and medium enterprises across the supply chain. In this sense, we welcome the recent amendment of the EIB group's exclusion policy to further boost its investment in security and defence, while safeguarding the group's financial capacity. I believe that by working together, focusing investment and maintaining a coherent regulatory framework, we can ensure Europe's continued growth, technological leadership and resilience in the face of an increasingly volatile and competitive global environment. I welcome the EP report, which brings important insights and recommendations. The EIB has been successful in ensuring a balance between being a bank with public commission and maintaining agility to ensure it remains an attractive partner for projects, promoters and to advance our important investment policies, often with private partners. I hope this balance will be further retained.

Mr President, Members, I thank you for your valuable contribution to this important discussion. I listened closely to your proposal and I think that it's important to clarify some points. First of all, I am here to defend the relaunch to work in favour for cohesion policy. I was president of one region that used the resources of cohesion, I was Minister of Cohesion and I was a member of the REGI Committee for three mandates. I know well this policy and my goal is to defend the relaunch of this policy, not other ideas and other goals. Today, we approved the communication and legislative change. In this communication, we have a lot of answers to your questions. For example, the role of the cities with an important part about the agenda for the cities, the internal rural areas, islands and outermost regions with the strategy for these important matters. Eastern border regions, I said, and this is, in our opinion, an important priority with a new approach. We didn't provide any cut. I want to be clear about this because I listened to this. Any cut or transfer of funds in other parts – there isn't. It's important to clarify this point, but an analysis of the new EU priorities that could be utilised. It is a voluntary choice. I want to underline this point. This is a voluntary choice, not a decision of the European Commission. This is a voluntary choice of the Member States that take into account the specific needs of the territories. And I asked for this reason to the Chair of the REGI Committee to have an exchange of view next week to discuss immediately this proposal. Then there will be some Member States that will use for defence and the other Member States that will use them for housing, for water, for energy transition, for competitiveness, for nothing. Without any change is possible – because it's a voluntary choice. This is our position, and I think that it's important to have a right approach, because why should it not be possible to give the opportunity to use some fund for the defence exactly as the other priorities that we said in this proposal. Cohesion policy is – and will remain – a fundamental component of the current and the next MFF, where key principle of cohesion policy must remain, like shared management, multi-level governance, the partnership principle and a place-based approach. But we need to modernise and relaunch this policy. Redesign it and put the new priorities inside the cohesion policy. I often hear from some Member States and regions I visit that the cohesion funding is a way – sometimes the only way – for citizens to connect with Europe. And I agree about this. This is an opportunity to increase this connection. I will continue my dialogue with Member States' representatives across Europe, all stakeholders at all levels, and with this Parliament and the European Committee of Regions. I will continue to work with you during the entire process as we prepare the next MFF. Moreover, my commitment is to design and implement the policy in close partnership with the national, regional and local authorities – because the regions shall remain at the centre and involved in this process. To shape this future effectively, we must work together and build one single voice, not to defend the cohesion policy, but to relaunch and modernise cohesion policy. This is our challenge and I count on you.

Madam President, Minister, honourable Members, thank you for the opportunity to address you today. This debate is very timely. As you know, the college approved today the Commission's new initiative to modernise the cohesion policy. This modernisation is crucial. The current programmes were discussed in 2019 to 2021, and the partnership agreement was signed in 2022 – and they are only starting now. However, the world has changed since then in a significant way. We are proposing that Member States and regions use this opportunity to better align cohesion policy with the EU's evolving strategic priorities: supporting competitiveness, boosting resilience and building Europe's capacity to respond to future challenges. To support Member States in using the funds to advance these priorities, we proposed making tailored amendments to the European Regional Development Fund, Cohesion Fund and Just Transition Fund regulations. We are introducing incentives and flexibilities that support five priorities – competitiveness, defence, affordable housing, water resilience and energy interconnection and recharging infrastructure – while also accelerating implementation through simplification. Through these amendments, the mid-term review proposal will deliver a more responsive cohesion policy, which is aligned with today's realities and can better address current and future challenges. The goal is to facilitate essential investments in areas that are crucial for the future prosperity of the EU. These five priorities will benefit from increased pre-financing and co-financing. National, regional and local authorities will be able to allocate funds within their current programmes towards these new priorities. This is completely voluntary. The proposal also includes incentives for the eastern border regions, which encounter specific challenges not only linked to security, but also to relaunching their economies. As you know, this is a topic on which I have already had a good exchange with you after my visit to a border region. Honourable Members, our proposal today is an important initiative to create better use of the current programmes, but also to create the right conditions for when discussions on the next MFF will properly start. In my meetings with the national and regional stakeholders, I have underlined the importance of relaunching cohesion policy and also the urgency of aligning our resources with our strategic priorities. I have also discussed this with many of you in bilateral meetings or in different committee meetings here in the European Parliament. With the mid-term review we have a golden opportunity to modernise this important policy, to align investment with the changed realities on the ground. I count on your support as co-legislator to give this proposal your urgent consideration for the benefit of our regions and citizens. Your input, your advice and your experience are crucial. I am looking forward to hearing your views.

Madam President, honourable Members, I fully share your calls for action and your commitment to support the EU regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Thank you for sharing your insights on the situation in these regions, and for your reflections on how we can further support them. For years, cohesion policy has been a cornerstone of the European project, driving economic development, reducing disparities and promoting convergence. This long-term policy must continue to deliver tangible value for all European regions, and seek specific solutions for eastern border regions, as well as regions bordering Ukraine that face different challenges. But adapting to the new normal is not enough. Economic development and security must go hand in hand. We must use this opportunity to accelerate efforts to address existing structural issues, and we must ensure that the people living in our eastern border regions have a real choice to stay and build their future. To achieve this, we need targeted, localised and tailor-made solutions that serve both the prosperity and the security interests of the EU. I stand ready to continue working closely with the European Parliament on this crucial issue. Together, we can ensure that our eastern border regions receive the support they need and emerge stronger, more resilient and more competitive.

Madam President, Mr Szłapka, honourable Members, on behalf of the Commission, I would like to thank the European Parliament for proposing this essential debate on the need for targeted support to EU regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. It is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to those regions most affected by Russia's unjustified war against Ukraine. But this discussion goes beyond solidarity; it is about defending Europe's stability, security and long-term economic resilience and competitiveness. These are fundamental pillars of this Commission's mandate. The cohesion policy plays a crucial role in advancing the EU's competitiveness agenda. It does so through investments in research, innovation, small and medium enterprises, industrial policies and vital energy and digital infrastructure. The cohesion policy has also supported the regions on our eastern border, which find themselves on the front lines of new geopolitical realities. For example, the regions bordering Ukraine, which welcome large numbers of displaced people, face unique challenges. In response, the Commission, in close cooperation with the Parliament, launched the CARE Initiative within the cohesion policy, which played a critical role in providing urgent aid. These regions have shown extraordinary resilience and solidarity, fostering strong cross-border cooperation with Ukraine that continues to thrive. We remain committed to supporting them, ensuring they can sustain and deepen this cooperation. Russia's brutal war of aggression has put the eastern border regions of Finland, the Baltic States and Poland in a particularly difficult situation. The EU acted swiftly to support them. However, significant challenges remain; even before the war, many of these regions were already experiencing depopulation. Now they face new additional difficulties. Borders that once facilitated trade and job creation are now closed. At the same time, these regions are dealing with the instrumentalisation of migration, economic downturns, and the wider impact of sanctions. At the beginning of the mandate of this Commission, President von der Leyen tasked me with ensuring these regions receive the strategic support they need. It is now time to move forward with further concrete solutions. That is why, in my first weeks in office, one of my priorities was to visit one of these border regions. I travelled to a border crossing point in Finland, which shares a 1 340 km border with Russia. Near Lappeenranta I saw firsthand how a thriving region built on trade and tourism now faces serious economic consequences. Similar concerns were reiterated during my recent visit to Poland, and I intend to continue these visits to other eastern border regions, including Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, in the coming weeks. I say this because it is only through this direct experience that it is possible to truly understand the difficulties and challenges these regions face, and identify tailored solutions to address these issues. The upcoming mid-term review provides a valuable opportunity for Member States to prioritise the social and economic impact of the conflict and reinforce the security and prosperity of these regions. But we will also need to launch a broader debate. A stronger Europe requires stronger regions, and we can only boost the EU's overall competitiveness if all our regions prosper. Engaging directly with all over this region is essential to understanding their needs and developing tailor-made solutions. Let me be clear: the borders of these regions are not their borders. They are our borders, the borders of Europe. True prosperity is built together. I look forward to hearing your perspectives.

Mr President, honourable Members, I fully share your concern and your commitment to support Mayotte and its people. Thank you for sharing your insights on the tragic situation on the ground, and for your proposal on how we can address it. You can count on the Commission to mobilise all available EU tools and funds in support of Mayotte. With regard to immediate emergency relief, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism is activated upon a request from the national authorities. While we cannot initiate civil protection measures unilaterally, we stand ready to act in full support of France when needed. In addition, we are fully prepared to do everything within our power to provide medium‑term assistance, from helping reconstruction through the European Regional Development Fund and the EU Solidarity Fund, to supporting farmers through all our agriculture funds and helping to provide for basic needs through the European Social Fund. Lastly, we are ready to contribute to efforts to enhance disaster risk management and strengthen Mayotte's resilience against future large‑scale disasters. I count on your cooperation and continued support in the weeks and months ahead, as we work together to rebuild a stronger and more resilient Mayotte, in a clear and tangible demonstration of our solidarity – a core value upon which our Union is built.

Madam President, honourable Members, on behalf of the Commission, I would like to express our solidarity with the people of Mayotte as they face the devastating aftermath of Cyclone Chido. This weekend, the cyclone unleashed destruction on an unthinkable scale: the earth‑breaking laws of life, houses destroyed, countless people left homeless, crops ruined and livelihoods shattered, a closed airport and no electricity. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to the families of the victims and to all those affected by this catastrophe. It has been ten years since Mayotte became an outermost region of the EU – a decade marked by close cooperation and support. But this tragedy is a harsh reminder of the challenges faced by this region, the poorest and the most remote in our Union. Only a year ago, Mayotte faced a major water crisis, and it now faces yet another severe blow. Europe stands firmly with Mayotte in this painful moment. During these difficult times, it is essential that we, as a Union, come together to support our fellow Europeans in Mayotte and help them rebuild their homes, their lives and their future. You can count on the Commission's full support to do so. In concrete expressions of solidarity, we are ready to mobilise all available tools and funds to complement the measures being taken by France. First, we can offer immediate assistance and medium‑term support to help Mayotte. Indeed, our Emergency Response Coordination Centre has been closely monitoring the situation from the outset. The Copernicus Emergency Management Service was activated in a rapid mapping mode, using satellite imagery to track the damage and inform response efforts. Through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, we can coordinate donations of aid‑in‑kind, and deploy disaster response experts and equipment from EU Member States and partner countries. This mechanism is activated at the request of the affected national authorities. We are ready to assist should France seek support via the Common Emergency Communication and Information System. In the medium term, France may seek support from the European Union Solidarity Fund if the damage exceeds 1 % of Mayotte's GDP. We encourage France to estimate the damages and submit a request within the 12‑week window. While this fund is not designed for immediate relief, and its mobilisation requires approval from the European Parliament and the Council, it can nonetheless cover part of the public emergency and recovery operations. Second, we can help identify investments that can be financed under both agriculture and cohesion policy in the medium‑ to long‑term. The Commission is ready to reprogramme these funds to address the cyclone's consequences as quickly as possible. For example, the POSEI programme for outermost regions can be adjusted to address the cyclone's impacts. In addition, the rural development programmes and the common agricultural policy strategic plans also provide measures for restoring agricultural production potential damaged by natural disasters. Honourable Members, just this afternoon, this House reached an agreement on the Commission's proposal on RESTORE. As I said yesterday in this plenary, the events in Mayotte underline the urgent need for this instrument. I thank you for your support and continued cooperation on this proposal. RESTORE will allow France to use up to 10 % of its 2021‑2027 ERDF and ESF+ allocations for emergency response. This will lead to greater flexibility, higher pre-financing and enhanced co‑financing rates, enabling faster reallocation of ERDF and ESF+ funds for reconstruction and recovery efforts. But our action does not stop here. Third, we stand ready to support efforts to strengthen disaster risk management and build Mayotte's resilience against future large‑scale disasters. We have no choice but to act on the immediate emergency, and this is why we are here. But this will never distract me from the long‑term objectives of cohesion policy. It is a structural policy and structure includes the notion of preparedness, of prevention. The European Investment Bank has estimated that every euro we fail to invest in prevention and resilience will result in around EUR 6 needed to repair the damage. So this time we need to make sure that we build back better. Honourable Members, Mayotte and France are not alone in facing this tragedy; the European Commission is here to help. We encourage France to request the necessary support, and we are committed to deploying these tools and funds as quickly and effectively as possible to aid Mayotte and its people.

Thank you, Madam President. Honourable members, thank you for this debate. The Global Risk Report by the World Economic Forum ranked disinformation as the second biggest risk the world would face this year. Disinformation threats pose a real risk to democracy. To counter orchestrated and programmed disinformation campaigns, we need to act on all grounds. We must be prepared to recognise disinformation. We need critical thinking and media literacy. We have to support the work of journalists, fact‑checking organisations and rapid alert systems, and we cannot take our foot off the pedal. Going forward, including with a new European Democracy Shield to address the most severe risks to democracy in the EU, there is a clear commitment to protecting democracy at home. We must replicate this commitment in helping our neighbours too, because as we see in the lies that Putin's regime spreads to justify starting a war in Ukraine, fighting foreign interference and information manipulation is a matter of security. And we as policymakers have a responsibility to our citizens to do what we can to protect our democracies.

Madam President, honourable Members, this debate today shows the importance of this topic, but it also shows the challenges the EU is facing today. It is clear that we must continue our efforts to maintain and improve access to clean drinking water for all EU citizens. The challenges we are facing are linked to water scarcity, protection of our natural water resources and the need to address pollutants in the environment. Only an approach which covers the entire water supply chain will offer long lasting solutions. With the recast Drinking Water Directive, we have a solid legislative framework in place, but we need to collectively improve the implementation. I take the Commission's role as guardian of the Treaties very seriously. The Drinking Water Directive will be no exception. I can assure you of our commitment to ensure the full and effective implementation of this directive. I will also offer the Commission support where needed. Regarding the PFAS, the Commission has launched a study to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of treatment techniques for removing PFAS from drinking water. The first results on health-based values are expected in 2026. The Commission will consider what steps might need to be taken to further protect human health through the Drinking Water Directive. We will also make sure that that these topics are properly addressed in the water resilience strategy. I am grateful for your continued support and cooperation on those key files, and I am looking forward to working together on the next steps.

Madam President, honourable Members, water is the basis of life, wet worldwide, more than 2 billion people do not have access to safe drinking water. In the EU, thankfully enough, the situation is very different: around 96 % of our population can rely on clean drinking water. This high percentage is due to the collective success of the EU drinking water policy, which has been in place for almost 40 years. But there is no reason to celebrate, because that same statistic also implies that around 20 million EU citizens still do not have direct access to clean drinking water. This is not acceptable. To address this situation, the European Union adopted the recast Drinking Water Directive back in December 2020. The recast was a direct response to the European citizens' initiative 'Right2Water' and contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6: 'clean water and sanitation'. Member States had to transpose this directive into national law by January 2023. Many were delayed, some even until today. Meanwhile, the Commission has started assessing the transpositions. The first objective of the recast was to better protect human health. This was done in three ways: first, by updating quality standards to meet or even go beyond the latest recommendations of the World Health Organization, including on PFAS, endocrine disruptors and microplastics; second, by taking a supply‑chain approach to manage water‑quality risks and focusing more on pollution at source; third, by adopting new hygiene standards for contact materials to prevent harmful substances from leaching into the drinking water. Besides looking at the quality of the drinking water, the directive also aims to ensure access to clean water, in particular for vulnerable and marginalised groups. Making drinking water available in public spaces is one important part of the solution. At the same time, Member States also have to reduce water leakage. On average, 23 % of treated water is lost each year through leaks in distribution networks. In some countries, this goes up to 50 %. This means that we have much more to do as a Union. I therefore urge all Member States to work on the implementation of the Drinking Water Directive provisions as soon as possible. Honourable Members, water is under severe stress. The combination of climate change, especially the increased risk of prolonged droughts and the salinisation of fresh water due to sea‑level rise, together with pollution and the loss of healthy ecosystems and green infrastructure, means that water stress will become a reality in many regions of the EU. In some regions this is already the case. I welcome, therefore, Parliament's continued leadership on water‑related issues. In particular, I welcome your forthcoming own‑initiative report on water resilience. The Commission has clearly defined water resilience as one of its key priorities. In the upcoming water resilience strategy we will look at all aspects of water security, from the source to the sea, but especially what happens in between. The longer we keep water in our aquifers and in our ecosystems, the more we can benefit from it. Together with an effective implementation of the recast Drinking Water Directive and the support of funding instruments such as the cohesion funds and the activities of the European Investment Bank, I trust that our forthcoming water resilience strategy and the related initiatives will further improve access to clean drinking water for our citizens. I now look forward to your questions.

Madam President, honourable Members, thank you for your interventions and your support. The needs are urgent, so we must move urgently making a collective effort so that Restore can be adopted and enter into force already this December. We cannot afford to lose even one day. Europe stands with the regions and citizens affected by natural disasters. This is a concrete and tangible expression of our solidarity. Today also marks a first step in our work together. I believe this has been a promising start. I do share many of your concerns, especially the absolute necessity to build back better. At the same time, the Cohesion Policy cannot be the solution to all major crises, as attention cannot be diverted from the long term, such as reducing disparities. For me, this discussion is evidence of the common ground between us; a strong foundation on which to build five years of work together, ensuring that in our Europe, no place is left behind, no citizen is left behind. I hope it is the beginning of a long and fruitful collaboration. You have my promise.

Madam President, honourable Members, before going into the matter, my first thought today is addressed to the people of Mayotte. As President von der Leyen said, Europe stands by France and its citizens in this time of tragedy, and we are ready to offer our support in the days to come. The cyclone that hit Mayotte this weekend is a terrible tragedy. Our thoughts are with the people of Mayotte, especially those who are suffering. The events in Mayotte underline the urgent need for a new instrument, RESTORE. In my hearing, I promised to work for all the regions of Europe in close collaboration with local leaders and representatives, listening to their concerns and responding to them. Today is a first step in delivering on that commitment. Indeed, RESTORE is our shared commitment to those impacted by natural disasters. As the climate changes and as such disasters are becoming more frequent, current resources under existing emergency instruments are no longer enough. These Member States need immediate support and the prompt help for the affected communities. It is precisely in this direction that RESTORE fits in. As announced by European Commission President von der Leyen during her visit to Poland on 19 September 2024, the proposal ensures that European funds can be quickly implemented to support post‑disaster recovery. This work aligns with the mission of cohesion policy because it prevents widening disparities and ensures that cohesion programmes and projects are not delayed. RESTORE is pragmatic and realistic, allowing specific and targeted flexibilities within cohesion programmes. I am grateful to the European Parliament, particularly Mr Omarjee and Mr Buła, for your support and for your close cooperation with the Council in such a short time frame. Even if that the original proposal of the European Commission gave a stronger sign of solidarity on several aspects, given the urgency and the fact that the core element of the proposal remains in the final text, I am nevertheless satisfied and look forward to a swift agreement between the co‑legislators. In particular, I refer to the following points. First, the 95 % co‑financing rate: this implies a financial burden for Member States and the regions. The original 100 % proposal was a stronger expression of solidarity. Second, the reduced pre‑financing – going from 30 % to 25 % – reduced the liquidity available for immediate relief. Third, the exclusion of the Cohesion Fund from the calculation of maximum RESTORE funding. This obviously reduces the overall amount available. Finally, the introduction of a shorter sunset clause would limit coverage to disasters occurring between the 1 January 2024 and the 31 December 2025. On this point, the Commission's ambition was to provide the structural flexibility until the closure of the current programmes. This had the benefits of keeping the framework stable, simple and not requiring further legislative changes for future natural disasters. For the other changes concerning the reprogramming of the Cohesion Funds and extending the deadline for submitting programme amendments, I see the rationale. Despite these changes, I emphasise that, in our view, it is crucial to quickly reach an agreement among the co‑legislators to ensure a timely and effective implementation of the EU intervention. This is essential to provide urgent support to the affected populations. I conclude by recalling President von der Leyen's words: 'by injecting liquidity with higher pre‑financing and co‑financing of EU funds, we are making a real difference for the people and the regions that are harshly hit by these disasters. We are giving the Member States the tools to become more resilient and better prepared for future crises.' Let us work together today to make this happen.