General Affairs Council (Cohesion), 2 June 2022

Main results

Exchange of views on the 8th report on cohesion

Ministers in charge of cohesion policy gathered in Luxembourg to discuss the key points of the 8th report of the European Commission on the economic, social and territorial cohesion.

The meeting was chaired by Christophe Béchu, French Minister delegated to regional and local authorities, with the participation of Commissioner Elisa Ferreira.

In February, the Commission presented its report which analyses the progress achieved in reducing territorial disparities in the course of the last ten years and outlines the challenges in the next 30 years when the green and digital transition are expected to be the drivers of growth in the European Union.

The Council's debate focused on the issues identified in the report, in particular the territorial dimension of cohesion policy and the interplay between European priorities and the needs of local actors.

While acknowledging the progress in the convergence between member states and between regions of the Union, ministers examined the difficulties faced by cohesion policy and how best to tackle them. Some of the challenges are the following:

• the disengagement of certain regions, (rural regions, outlying regions, regions in industrial transition, etc.) and the impact of such a disengagement on their populations;
• the difficulties faced by many regions which, despite the assistance they receive, are still seeing their levels of development stagnate or even regress in comparison to the European average.

Ministers discussed to what extent the European regional policy can further support local actors in the future, so that they can develop their own responses and solutions in the face of common challenges in terms of cohesion.

• Presidency discussion note

Conclusions on Cohesion in Europe towards 2050

The Council continued with the adoption of conclusions on the 8th report on cohesion.

The conclusions take into account the asymmetric impact of the COVID-19 crisis and of the Russia's aggression against Ukraine, as well as the consequences of the climate, digital and social transitions for the harmonious and balanced development of the Union.

• Cohesion in Europe towards 2050: Council adopts conclusions (press release, 2 June 2022)
• Commission Communication on the 8th report on cohesion

The impact of the war in Ukraine on cohesion policy

During the informal lunch, ministers referred to the implementation of CARE and CARE 2, measures adopted by the EU in support of member states welcoming persons escaping the war in Ukraine. They also examined the wider consequences of the Russian military aggression against Ukraine for cohesion policy.