Tutto: Cohesion Policy Extremely Important, as Is Cooperation between Regions

Bratislava, 12 June (TASR) - Cohesion policy is extremely important, as are cooperation and alliances between regions and local governments, said president of the European Committee of the Regions Kata Tutto during a session held by Bratislava region council on Friday. Although Europe currently has other priorities, such as defence, Tutto noted that in the context of discussions on the future EU budget and post-2027 cohesion policy, it's vital that the voices of cities, municipalities and regions should be heard. "The reality is that the draft budget isn't good, and there's a plan to reduce it even further. In our committee we are fighting to make sure that all member states are basically on an equal footing. At the member state level, we're trying to make the European budget more balanced," stated Tutto, adding that despite everyone coming from a different country or political faction, it's important to fight together for the cause of local politics. Current discussions revolve around the size of the EU budget for the 2028–2034 period and where the funds will be directed, as well as who will make the decisions on what to invest in. "It's absolutely clear that everyone at the regional level, within the countries of the European Union, wants to participate in preparing that proposal. That means deciding where the money will go, not just being involved in the work on the part concerning where it will be implemented," she noted. The visit by the president of the European Committee of the Regions, which consists of more than 300 representatives of EU cities, municipalities and regions, was described by Bratislava regional governor Juraj Droba as a great honour, partly in light of the fact that "tough negotiations" are currently underway in Brussels regarding the budget. jrg/df