1
Apr
2025
Watch
Improving the implementation of cohesion policy through the mid-term review to achieve a robust cohesion policy post 2027 (debate)
Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, we cannot make Europe's poorest and most at-risk citizens pay for their weapons. Cohesion policy is at the heart of the Union: It serves to innovate, to give future to mountain and rural communities, to give to the lands affected by the climate crisis a hope, and solutions to those who live in polluted areas, isolated or without opportunities. Instead, they want to empty it to finance military spending. What common defense is this, if in the meantime we leave behind those who need support, networks, services? The mid-term review should strengthen and simplify cohesion, not reduce it in view of the next budget, sacrificing millions of people to favour a few players in the war industry. President von der Leyen shows little interest in social policies. I therefore appeal to you, Vice-President Fitto: Defend cohesion, defend your mandate. Do not confuse cards, hiding weapons behind words such as decent housing and water resilience. Our strength lies in the ability to build not 27, but a just, fair and united European future.