Regional Development

The European Parliament’s Committee on Regional Development plays a decisive role in determining the European Union’s cohesion policy. The goal is to make Europe fairer and thus strengthen cohesion. As shadow rapporteur for the Greens, I currently negotiate two legislative projects. The Common Provisions Regulation lays down the framework for the allocation of regional funding. The Just Transition Fund aims to facilitate a socially just exit from a fossil based economy. I am also committed to the development of rural areas.

Ukraine: European Support for Refugees

Already 1.5 million people had to flee Ukraine after the Russian attack. Every day, several thousand arrive in Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania and  Germany. The European Union has reacted quickly and ensured an uncomplicated reception of the arriving people. The people on the ground show solidarity and willingness to help. Now the regions and municipalities…

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Floods 2021: Better help from the European Union

I visited the German areas that were hit by the floods in July 2021. They are still rebuilding there. European money has not arrived so far. I propose a new European aid fund to better help in extreme weather events. The flood disaster last summer in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium shocked us all. A…

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The socio-economy of Renewables

Due to new laws and falling costs, renewables are being expanded all over Europe. A study commissioned by the Greens/EFA in the European Parliament now examines the socio-economic effects of wind power & co in different regions. The result: the effects are generally positive. But only if they are accompanied by adequate policy measures. One…

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Webinar on Community-led Development

The new EU funding period just started and supports with around 330bn Euro regional development within Europe. These funds can finance a variety of projects, from economic growth and competitiveness, environmental protection and sustainable development to social inclusion and job creation. This new funding period offers a special opportunity for bottom-up delivered projects: So-called Community-Led…

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CPR-Trilogue: Compromise on Co-Financing Rates

Council and Parliament made some progress at yesterday’s trilogue negotiations on the Common Provisions Regulation (CPR) on the issue of co-financing rates. With the compromise reached, the Commission’s proposed reduction of the co-financing rates to 70 percent for less developed regions, 55 percent for transitional regions and 40 percent for more developed regions was softened. …

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Background Information: EU Corona Response Investment Initiatives (CRII & CRII+)

An article in the German newspaper Der Spiegel which heavily criticizes the EU for allocating a disproportionate amount of money to Hungary under the EU’s Corona response investment initiatives has created a public debate in Germany. With this paper I would like to briefly illuminate the background to you and correct the figures and information…

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