Renew Europe has adopted a position paper on the future of EU cohesion policy beyond 2027. The paper outlines a clear political vision for the next Multiannual Financial Framework, centered on four core principles: keeping regions at the heart of the policy, ensuring simplified and accessible funding, safeguarding the rule of law as a condition for investment and support for EU-border regions. As the EU faces growing geopolitical and economic pressures, cohesion policy must remain a key investment pillar that supports Europe’s strategic goals - from enhancing competitiveness and security to fostering long-term resilience. It must continue to deliver tangible benefits in all regions, especially those most at risk of being left behind. Cohesion policy is a strategic investment in Europe’s future and it must be rooted in transparency, accountability, and democratic values. Renew Europe calls for the effective enforcement of rule of law conditionality and for regions to be treated as full partners in shaping and delivering EU programmes. The paper also highlights the need for stronger support to EU border regions, especially along the eastern border in light of enlargement and ongoing security challenges. Vice-chair and coordinator for the regional development committee and Renew coordinator L’ubica Karvašová stated: “Cohesion must stay at the core of the EU’s future budget, not just as a slogan, but as a commitment to Europe’s regions and to the people living in them. Any attempt to weaken or centralise cohesion policy undermines trust in the European project. Regions must be treated as real partners in shaping Europe’s future. President von der Leyen said regions would remain at the centre of our work - now is the time to prove it. This is not just about solidarity, it is about building a stronger, more resilient, and competitive Europe that leaves no one behind.” To respond to the challenges, Renew Europe proposes modernising cohesion policy so that it fully aligns with Europe’s strategic ambitions. This includes direct involvement of local and regional levels, simplifying application procedures and making funding more accessible and result-driven. "We want the cohesion policy to be modernised and we only get one shot to do it right. To keep regions at the heart of cohesion policy and safeguard it against centralisation. To maintain its crucial contribution to Europe's strategic goals in a changing world. And to make sure every citizen and every region sees and feels the benefits of European unity in their day-to-day life.", said Raquel García Hermida-van der Walle, Renew MEP and member of the Regional Development Committee. As the EU prepares for the next long term budget, Renew Europe urges that cohesion policy be modernised to ensure it continues to deliver for people, places and Europe’s long-term priorities. Read the full paper here. | 
