Future of Cohesion Policy Will Be Key Focus of Hungarian EU Presidency

The debate on the future of cohesion policy will be one of the most significant topics during the Hungarian EU Presidency, as Minister of Public Administration and Regional Development, Tibor Navracsics, highlighted at the inaugural Cohesion Summit.

Emphasizing Hungary’s stance on the success of cohesion policy within the EU, he stressed the pivotal role it plays in enhancing competitiveness through strengthened societal and regional cohesion. Scheduled to commence on July 1, the Hungarian Presidency will prioritize discussions on EU cohesion policy, convening both informal meetings in September and formal sessions in November and December.

Central to this policy is the promotion of convergence and support for less-developed regions to narrow the gap, underscored Minister Navracsics.

Reflecting on the last seven decades, Tibor Navracsics noted the considerable progress in cohesion across the Member States, particularly in Hungary and neighboring regions since joining the EU. Notably, Hungary has surpassed older members such as Greece in development rankings and is in close competition with countries like Portugal.

With a strategic vision to become one of the EU’s top five livable countries by 2030, Hungary aims for a development policy that prioritizes rural population preservation and the creation of vibrant rural and urban areas.

However, despite overall convergence among Member States, disparities within certain regions persist, exemplified by Budapest’s substantial growth compared to other areas like the Northern Great Plain and Southern Transdanubia.

Citing the European Commission’s eighth Cohesion Report, Mr. Navracsics highlighted the significant role played by capital cities in the economic advancement of Central and Eastern European Member States. He also acknowledged the widening north-south development gap in the EU, echoing similar trends observed in Hungary.

Identifying a geographical demarcation running through cities like Zalaegerszeg (western Hungary), Paks (southern Hungary), and Békéscsaba (southeastern Hungary), Navracsics emphasized the need for targeted government intervention in regions lagging behind. Initiatives such as the laser center in Szeged (southern Hungary) and planned investments aim to enhance competitiveness in these areas.

Navracsics further outlined the government’s recent adoption of a new regional development law, emphasizing a shift towards greater regional cooperation over past competitive models.

This approach aims to foster inclusive development across urban and peri-urban areas, delineated into three primary development zones.

The first zone, encompassing Budapest and its surrounding municipalities, acts as a hub of spatial development, while a second ring connects outer municipalities like Tatabánya (northwestern Hungary) and Székesfehérvár (central Hungary). Cross-border cooperation is envisioned to catalyze development in border municipalities, exemplified by regions like Győr-Bratislava-Vienna and Debrecen-Oradea.

In presenting this comprehensive development strategy, Minister Navracsics underscored Hungary’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth and narrowing regional disparities within the EU.

Via MTI; Featured Image: Pixabay