The right to stay for EU citizens received broad support during a recent meeting, as Finance Minister Makis Keravnos highlighted the importance of this concept.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
- The right to stay for EU citizens received broad support during a recent meeting, as Finance Minister Makis Keravnos highlighted the importance of this concept.
- In closing, Fitto remarked, “The world changes every week, every day. It is very important to adapt cohesion policy to the new challenges we face.”
Keravnos made the remarks following the first session of the informal meeting of EU ministers responsible for cohesion policy, held in Nicosia. He described the discussions as “particularly productive and interesting,” noting that the focus was on ensuring that individuals can choose to live and work in their home regions.
Right to: Emphasising Choice Over Necessity
During the press conference, Keravnos stated, “There was broad support for ensuring that every citizen of the European Union should have the opportunity to live, work and create in their own place, if they so choose.” He acknowledged the significance of the free movement of people within the EU, calling it one of the Union’s greatest achievements.
However, he stressed the need for a balance, stating that citizens should not feel compelled to leave their regions in search of better opportunities. Ministers concurred that targeted investments and cohesive policies could support regions and make the right to stay a realistic option for all citizens.
Addressing Island Challenges
The meeting also set the stage for discussions on the unique challenges faced by island regions. Keravnos announced that the European Union’s first strategy for islands will be formally presented on June 26 during a high-level meeting in Paphos, co-organised with the European Commission.
“The islands of the European Union face particular and complex challenges,” he noted, pointing out that despite recognition of their unique situations, significant gaps persist in addressing these issues through EU policies and funding mechanisms.
Commission’s Commitment to Cohesion
European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Raffaele Fitto, emphasised that the right to stay is a key priority for the European Commission and aligns with the political guidelines set by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. He highlighted that reducing inequalities across Europe is central to these efforts.
Fitto mentioned that the Commission has extended its consultation process until June 12 to facilitate further discussions with national governments, regions, and cities. He also underscored the importance of the forthcoming islands strategy, noting that over 4,000 islands accommodate approximately 17 million people across the EU.
Modernising Cohesion Policy
Addressing questions on the next Multiannual Financial Framework, Fitto stated that the Commission is actively working to modernise cohesion policy to adapt to emerging challenges. He revealed that member states had redirected €35 billion towards five new priorities: defence, competitiveness, housing, water, and energy, as part of a mid-term review of cohesion programmes.
In closing, Fitto remarked, “The world changes every week, every day. It is very important to adapt cohesion policy to the new challenges we face.”
