General Affairs Council, 15/11/2017, 15 November 2017

Main results

Future of cohesion policy

The Council discussed the future of cohesion policy post-2020, following the publication by the Commission of its 7th report on economic, social and territorial cohesion.

• 7th report on economic, social and territorial cohesion

The outcome of the debate will provide input into the work being undertaken by the Commission as part of its preparations of a new legislative package for cohesion policy post-2020 which is expected to be presented next year.

The Council also adopted without discussion conclusions on synergies and simplification for cohesion policy post-2020.

• Text of the conclusions

"Citizens and companies are not always fully aware of the impact of cohesion policy on the European economy and on their daily lives. But it has given a major boost across a wide range of sectors, including the digital economy, environment, transport, social infrastructure and research. Our discussion today has offered a clear steer on ways to increase the positive multiplier effects of cohesion for the next multiannual budget." Jaak Aab, Minister of Public Administration of Estonia

Structural and Investment Funds

The Council took note of progress on the ongoing legislative process concerning the modification of the "Common Provisions Regulation", in particular on the European structural and investment funds provisions, included in the "omnibus" Commission proposal.

The omnibus proposal, which is a part of the mid-term review of the multiannual financial framework 2014-2020, will streamline and simplify the financial rules applicable to the EU's general budget.

• Omnibus proposal