European Structural and Investment Funds

Head of European Structural Funds attends EC 7th Cohesion Forum

June 30, 2017 by No Comments | Category Events

David Anderson (Head of European Structural Funds, SG) and Cllr Tony Buchanan (Leader, East Renfrewshire Council and representing COSLA) this week, as part of the UK delegation, attended the EC 7^th Cohesion Forum. This forum is held every three years and brings together delegates from across the EU to debate the future direction of cohesion policy.

The Forum was overseen by Commissioner Corina Creţu and heard from commissioners, political leaders and academics on lessons learned and issues facing the future development of cohesion policy.

Many of these apply equally to Scotland as to the rest of Europe including: calls for simplification; better communication of the benefits delivered through Structural Funding over many years; and developing a coherent, consistent and mutually enforcing policy framework.

The Forum heard from Commission President Jean-Claude Junker on the future of cohesion policy and touched upon the finance and policy challenges raised by Brexit.

It also heard from Strathclyde’s Prof John Batchler, who through his Regional Studies Association links had just published ‘Towards Cohesion Policy 4.0’ The event was held the day before the EC published its own reflection paper on the future funding of the EU.

As well as the opportunities to engage with EC colleagues, both Tony and David were able to fly the flag for Scotland with UK colleagues.

Visit the EC website to watch the Forum.

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