The Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance, Nikos Papathanasis, represented Greece at the General Affairs Council of Ministers responsible for Cohesion Policy, which took place in Luxembourg on Tuesday, June 18, 2024.

The subject of the meeting was the link between Cohesion Policy and the EU's Strategic Agenda 2024-2029 and the new priorities set for a more secure, competitive, and democratic Europe.

Mr. Papathanasis underlined the contribution of cohesion policy to the new strategic priorities of the EU to strengthen its strategic autonomy, its competitiveness in the new international environment, and its adaptation to the dual challenge of digital and green transition. To achieve this, the EU must both continue and further strengthen the territorial dimension of its policies, ensuring the main features of cohesion policy, such as partnership, multi-level governance, and a place-based approach.

It also stressed the importance of assessing the territorial impact of all European policies on the EU's regions.

Finally, Mr. Papathanasis welcomed the proposals to simplify the regulatory framework governing Cohesion Policy so that it can respond in the most effective way to the new Strategic Agenda as well as to the reforms being promoted.

Addressing the meeting, the Deputy Minister said:. The territorial dimension of Cohesion Policy is a necessary complement to the single market, as regions start from different starting points. Reforms must accompany investment to improve the competitiveness of the regions.