Nicosia: Regions should be considered as strategic partners and have a voice in the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), stated the Minister of Interior, Konstantinos Ioannou, after his meeting with Filip Reinhag, President of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR), preceding the CPMR's meeting in Nicosia.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Ioannou emphasized that the future of Europe lies not only in capital cities and institutions but also within the regions. He highlighted the importance of regional voices for European cohesion, competitiveness, and the continent's future, advocating for their inclusion as strategic partners in the MFF.
Reinhag acknowledged the alignment of the Cypriot Presidency's ambitions with the CPMR's priorities, stressing that regions play a crucial role in delivering prosperity, security, and connectivity. The CPMR meeting discussed the connectivity, competitiveness, and resilience of the European Transport Network, aiming to enhance the MFF's efficacy for regions and strategize for island and coastal communities.
In his address, Ioannou noted that the European Union is at a pivotal moment of reflection and negotiation concerning its future priorities and financial structure, specifically the next MFF. He stressed that these discussions will influence the Union's capability to achieve competitiveness, climate neutrality, digital transformation, security, and social cohesion.
Ioannou underscored the role of regions as strategic partners, warning that policies lacking a territorial perspective could exacerbate disparities. He noted that peripheral and maritime regions often lead in innovation and resilience, managing climate adaptation, sustainable maritime transport, offshore renewable energy, and circular economy practices while also handling migration management and border protection.
He emphasized the necessity of a robust, well-funded cohesion policy sensitive to territorial needs. The Cyprus Presidency aims to work with all member regions to amplify CPMR's voice in European debates, focusing on ensuring adequate funding for regions, promoting multilevel governance, and reinforcing regional involvement in national reform and investment plans.
For Cyprus, these issues are tangible, given its geographical challenges. Ioannou stated that the Cyprus Presidency intends to bridge European ambition and local reality, advocating for a Europe that listens to its regions and leverages their strengths.
Ioannou also highlighted the importance of shaping policies with regional realities in mind, aligning with CPMR's mission. The Cyprus Presidency seeks to promote a more autonomous, resilient, competitive, and outward-looking European Union that remains connected to its people and foundational values.
Reinhag, President of CPMR, noted the alignment of the Cyprus Presidency's priorities with those of CPMR, advocating for a European Union that empowers citizens and fosters thriving environments. He emphasized the need for strong social and territorial cohesion, ensuring no region or citizen is left behind, and highlighted CPMR's role in influencing European policy and financial decisions.
The CPMR meeting addressed key issues, including EU transport policy and the future of cohesion policy in the European budget, stressing the importance of maintaining regional capacity for investment and innovation. Discussions also covered new strategies for coastal communities and islands, vital for regional development.