Addressing the 7th Cohesion Forum in Brussels today, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat stated that "Cohesion Policy is synonymous with and the personification of European solidarity at its best", and called for "simple yet solid rules that can be used in the current programming period, at a time when European economies are taking off".
Prime Minister Muscat maintained that the Cohesion Policy is at the heart of the Union's work for its citizens, that it supports policies affecting people's everyday life, and advocates for an improved quality of life across the European continent.
The Prime Minister said that the Cohesion Policy's primary objective is to ensure citizens are better off at the end of each programming period regardless of how diverse the socio-economic situations of each member state are.
While commenting on the principle behind the policy, Dr Muscat noted how Malta has made its own contribution to it by modifying the rules to guarantee additional assistance to Member States affected by natural disasters, demonstrating the EU's willingness to stand by its citizens when they need it the most.
The Prime Minister stated that the vision for the future of the Cohesion Policy is a policy that fulfils the needs of communities by turning opportunities into prosperity, and that supports the Union's strategic projects. He remarked that his vision is one where rules are simplified so that even the smallest communities and businesses can benefit.
Dr Muscat concluded by saying that it is ultimately government's responsibility to create the right environment for the policy to work.