While following developments towards the next European Framework Programme for R&I (FP10), ERRIN also keeps a close eye on the future of cohesion policy, its R&I dimension and coherence with R&I policy post-2027. Have a look at recent key highlights on the topic below.

Two highly anticipated reports were released in the last couple of months: Report of the Group of High-level Specialists on the Future of Cohesion Policy on 20 February, and the European Commission’s 9th Cohesion Report on 27 March. The files offer analytical insights to the ongoing debate on cohesion policy post-2027. ERRIN welcomed the emphasis put on the need for Cohesion Policy to identify and exploit opportunities from all forms of innovation, and to tailor development strategies to put regions on a path to change while building on existing specialisation.

At the same time, there’s a concern that management of the cohesion policy might be centralised following the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) model. ERRIN advocates the shared management principle to remain in place – ensuring the place-based steering of the policy implementation is crucial for achieving optimal impact.

Against this background, on 8 April, the COTER commission of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) held a debate on the future of cohesion policy with Themis Christophidou, Director-General for Regional and Urban Policy, emphasising the need to maintain its fundamental principles. CoR will also prepare an opinion on a renewed cohesion policy post-2027, which will include responses to the two recent reports. In parallel, the #CohesionAlliance's call for a renewed Cohesion Policy post-2027 that leaves no one behind is also open for signing here.

On 11-12 April, the 9th Cohesion Forum took place, with participation of ERRIN and many network members. We welcomed the discussion on cohesion as objective shared by all policies. We also listened closely to the debate on cohesion policy for the future. Among some key points raised was one that simplification does not mean centralisation, and the need for increasing institutional capacities for change. It’s critical to focus on sustaining the role of regions, place-based perspective and coherence with R&I policy at the time of preparations to the next Multiannual Financial Framework post-2027.

Among the upcoming ERRIN activities linking to the future cohesion policy debate, the Policy and Smart Specialisation Working Groups will organise a joint in-person meeting on 22 May, focusing on Widening in FP10 and the impact of the debate on the future of cohesion policy. ERRIN members may learn more and register here.

Our network submitted its first messages on the cohesion policy post-2027 last August, contributing to the CoR opinion on the topic, adopted in November 2023. Find ERRIN’s input here.