The presentation of the draft study took place on 14 April 2026. The authors examined two 2028-2034 Commission MFF proposals: the ‘NRP Fund’ and the ‘ERDF, Interreg and Cohesion Fund’. They analysed how the changes to flexibility, predictability, simplification, and thematic concentration would affect Cohesion Policy programming and implementation, particularly for Managing Authorities and beneficiaries. The authors offered concrete policy recommendations to improve the two proposals and better achieve the Cohesion Policy goals.
More specifically, the presentation focused on the following topics:
- Simplification and performance-based delivery
- Budgetary flexibility and predictability
- Programming, thematic concentration and earmarking
- Interreg simplification and flexibility
The presentation was followed by questions from the Members and a stimulating debate, including on the importance of funding predictability and clearer budget lines for Cohesion Policy and its regional categories. The discussion also pointed to a lack of clarity on simplification, the potential for increased administrative burdens, and the role of regional and territorial chapters. The debate also addressed safeguards for multilevel governance and the partnership principle and how to ensure the revised cohesion framework truly benefits citizens.
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