“The distribution of EU funds to member states and regions must be transparent and equitable.”
MEP Maria Walsh has called for a fair and transparent distribution of Europe’s Cohesion Fund over the next five years, signalling concern that funds not spent may be reabsorbed into the EU.
The Cohesion Fund provides support to EU Member States for regional development in the areas of environment and transport infrastructure.
The MEP for Midlands North West was speaking in Brussels following the EU Commissioner hearing of Raffaele Fitto, Commissioner-designate for Cohesion and Reforms.
“A meeting with the Northern West Regional Assembly (NWRA) this week in Brussels was timely,” said MEP Maria Walsh.
“The Director of NWRA Denis Kelly, and Chief Executives of Roscommon, Sligo, Mayo, Monaghan and County Galway reiterated that the imbalance of regional funding is important. It is my role as an MEP to ensure funds are distributed fairly and on a needs basis.”
MEP Maria Walsh highlighted in particular Midlands North West.
“We are on the periphery of Europe and have specific growth challenges and so our region should be supported in the Cohesion Fund. This is precisely the purpose of the fund – to provide for economically and socially challenged regions in the EU bringing their growth and potential in line with other regions – this is cohesion.”
MEP Maria Walsh’s comments came as the hearings for the new College of Commissioners drew to a close in the European Parliament yesterday.
She went on to say that “Regions must be at the centre of distribution, funds need to be simplified and flexible, while strict monitoring and governance rules adhered to, to ensure transparency.”
The Cohesion Fund represents about one third of the total EU budget. MEP Maria Walsh says that individual regional traits should be considered, better cooperation and coordination with regional and local authorities in Member States must follow, all while streamlining and simplifying the application for, and distribution of funds.
“Now is the time to plan for equitable distribution so that in five years time we see meaningful impact in regions. I will be maintaining pressure to ensure Midlands North West receives support for projects such as decarbonisation, flood relief schemes and preparing our regions for the future of work.”
