Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds and Social Dialogue Aaron Farrugia spoke on the subject of "the European added value of cohesion policy" and participated in a wide-ranging panel discussion chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister of Bulgaria.

The discussion focused on the achievements of the cohesion policy and its impact on all European Union members.

The parliamentary secretary shared his views on the further streamlining of the cohesion policy, as well as on the possible ways of attributing a strategic vision and European added value to it.

"Fundamentally, I believe that cohesion policy should continue to address the objectives defined in the Treaty. Cohesion policy should continue to act as the main tool to reduce disparities between Europe's regions ensuring a level playing field among member states and regions while promoting harmonious development and stimulating investment, growth and job creation at EU level," stated Farrugia while speaking at the conference in Sofia.

"I am for meaningful reform and a balanced approach: a cohesion policy aligned to the real benefits of membership, winning hearts and minds, alive to an increasingly fierce global competitive landscape."

"So we need to adjust our sails, post-2020 cohesion policy should aim to be a win-win even when we address specificities of less developed countries and regions facing geographic vulnerabilities, exploiting the spillover effect through increased trade flows."

"The European Structural and Investment Funds should continue to occupy a central role in the EU's economic policy. Cohesion policy funding is designed to address issues of a social and economic nature at regional level, since it can be adjusted to each region's needs and particularities."

"I fully acknowledge the need for EU funding to focus on those areas with the highest European added value where greater results can be achieved by action on an EU level rather than by member states acting individually. However, I do not believe that there is one comprehensive definition of 'European added value' and nor should we attempt to define added value in narrow terms - to do so would undermine the notion of flexibility. EU funding needs to take into account the specificities and socio-economic structures of all member states, including those at the geographic periphery of the EU that do not benefit from being at the heart of Europe or from economies of scale."

"A flexible cohesion policy has been a key driver for growth in regions and member states - the channelling of public funds to key infrastructure projects, that are prerequisite to economic growth, as well as in human capital. The unique, individual circumstances of every region and member state should be at the forefront of our minds in the design of cohesion policy post-2020."

"A flexible cohesion policy also improves the quality of life of citizens which helps the European project win hearts and minds. In an uncertain and fast changing world, this should be at the forefront of our minds as discussions on cohesion policy intensify in the coming months. It should be our aspiration that every European citizen feels the benefits of cohesion policy, it is crucial that we continue working together in order to make Europe a better place for all our people."

"So, when it comes to defining the objective and priorities of the policy for the next programming period, it is vital that we take into account the different positions of member states. A one-size-fits-all approach will not work. Flexibility should be built on the design of the policy allowing for a tailor-made approach that truly reflects the needs and challenges on the ground."

"As I said at the EU General Affairs Council in Luxembourg, I am on a mission to cut red tape. I want to drastically reduce the unnecessary administrative burdens for both the beneficiaries and the authorities implementing the programmes. I am convinced that a more reasonable approach to the control of programmes will further facilitate the uptake of EU funds."

"I will support any proposals which simplify the implementation of cohesion policy. Programming documents should be shortened significantly and be proportionate to the size of the programme. In fact, we should consider introducing a differentiated approach for the administering of funds to increase simplification and proportionality in the management of the programmes and in speeding up the implementation of smaller programmes."

"We are still assessing the specifics of the Commission's proposal, but I can already see a number of measures which will translate into more user-friendly and simpler ways of doing things which is a very positive development."

"Cohesion policy should not been seen as a quick fix or a sticking plaster. It exists to deliver long-term sustainable outcomes. This will only happen by sustaining the level of convergence already achieved in the different regions and member states. So, I welcome the Commission's proposals for all regions and member states to remain eligible for resources under this policy. Cohesion policy is important in instances where maintaining and sustaining convergence is a continuous challenge and, in particular cases, where long-term vulnerabilities, such as those arising from geography, exist.

"Cohesion policy is of a huge importance to Malta. I will be frank, we are not happy about the cuts that are being proposed. Cohesion policy has proved its value and if we are serious about sustaining and consolidating results, now is the time for more cohesion policy, not less."