"It is important not to forget that Cohesion is an asset for the functioning of European democracy," Vasco Cordeiro

Vasco Cordeiro discusses the challenges of the upcoming EU budget negotiations, emphasizing the importance of cohesion policy for regional participation and democracy. He critiques the European Commission's proposal, which he believes undermines regional autonomy and the role of subnational governments in managing EU funds. Cordeiro argues that cohesion should not be viewed merely as charity for poorer regions but as essential for the functioning of the single market and democracy. He warns that reducing funding for cohesion could harm all regions, including the outermost regions, and stresses that competitiveness and cohesion must coexist for true progress.