Brussels: The Minister of Finance, Makis Keravnos, is set to preside over the General Affairs Council meeting focusing on Cohesion Policy in Brussels on Thursday, February 26. Prior to this, he will address European Parliament Committees, articulating the priorities of Cyprus during its EU Presidency.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Finance Ministry issued a press release indicating that during the meeting, Ministers responsible for Cohesion Policy will ratify the Council conclusions on the European Commission's 'An Agenda for Cities' communication. These conclusions emphasize cities' crucial roles in economic development, innovation, social cohesion, and employment, while addressing significant challenges such as housing, social inequalities, and climate change impacts. The conclusions aim to highlight the urban dimension in EU policymaking.
Additionally, the Ministers will deliberate on a document crafted by the Cypriot Presidency, which examines the lessons from the mid-term review of the 2021-2027 Cohesion Policy. This discussion will explore how these insights will be applied to the new programming period post-2027, particularly focusing on how Cohesion Policy supports the EU's strategic priorities for competitiveness, resilience, and strategic autonomy.
On Wednesday, February 25, 2025, Keravnos will visit the European Parliament to engage with the Committee on Regional Development (REGI) and the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON). He will outline the Cypriot Presidency's main objectives concerning Cohesion Policy and discuss the priorities of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN), which addresses EU policy in economic policy, taxation, and financial services regulation. This will be followed by a dialogue with Members of the European Parliament.