Johannes Hahn: “Europe's regions and cities will play a significant role in getting us out of the crisis”

The local and regional dimension is of key importance in the European Union, not least in terms of the significant role that Europe's regions and cities will play in the delivery of the goals of the EU 2020 strategy, points out Johannes Hahn, EU Commissioner for Regional Policy, in his interview. He stresses that while the Council of Europe works for the promotion of democracy at regional and local level, and the EU is focused on promoting economic, social and territorial development and reducing gaps in prosperity between regions, improving local and regional governance is an important dimension for both of them

Interview – 26 October 2010

Question: How would you qualify the place of the local and regional dimension in today’s policy of the European Union? What is the main thrust of EU regional policy?

Johannes Hahn:The local and regional dimension is of key importance in the European Union of today, not least in terms of the significant role that Europe's regions and cities will play in the delivery of the goals of the EU 2020 strategy, to get us out of the crisis. And I am convinced that the EU’s regional policy can be the tool to translate these 2020 ambitions into practical measures.

The Europe 2020 strategy will set out the framework for the economic, social and environmental development of the EU for the next decade. Given the current economic climate, meeting its objectives will be no easy task. However, with its integrated framework for investment, proven delivery system and ownership on the ground, cohesion policy can, and will be, one of the main delivery vehicles for the EU 2020 strategy.

With its strong emphasis on knowledge, innovation, skills and green economies, the policy can enhance development opportunities as well as help to underpin economic recovery and long-term prosperity. Between 2007 and 2013 a massive €230 billion of the regional funds (worth a total of almost €350 billion) are already targeted for investment in cutting edge research and technological development, innovation, information and communication technologies, business development and training. This focus on 21^st century activities is set to continue, and indeed be reinforced.

Question: Both the European Union and the Council of Europe are pursuing local and regional action. How do you see their respective roles? Is there complementarity in their activities?

Johannes Hahn:The Council of Europe’s work at local and regional level, carried out through its Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, may differ in scope from that of the European Union but is complementary. Our roles, working methods and available resources should be considered within their respective frameworks - you work for the promotion of democracy at regional and local level, whilst our core mission is focused on promoting economic, social and territorial development and reducing gaps in prosperity between regions. Within this however, improving governance at regional and local level is an important dimension – in particular, local authorities will play an essential role in making a success of the EU 2020 strategy.

Whilst the core objectives may be different, we have embarked on several areas of joint action. Since 2005, the Council of Europe has held a co-operation agreement with the Committee of the Regions. In parallel, we also work together on the implementation of joint EU/CoE programmes such as ‘intercultural cities’ and of  a number of other projects within the EU, the Western Balkans and other parts of Europe.

Question: European institutions have nowadays one problem in common - the lack of public credibility. At the same time, politics at grassroots level should ensure better involvement of citizens. How should, in your opinion, territorial policies be shaped to inspire citizens of European issues?

Johannes Hahn:We are all aware of the need to better engage and better involve our citizens on European issues. How can we fight climate change, beat the recession, deliver growth and jobs, tackle social exclusion? These are all questions that touch every one of us every day. And these are all issues on which Europe is working, in conjunction with member countries and local and regional authorities, to come up with answers to improve all our lives.

In terms of my own field, the Directorate General for Regional Policy has recently carried out an extensive survey to investigate EU citizens’ attitudes about the Union’s regional policy. Roughly a third (34%) of EU citizens said they had heard about EU co-financed projects to improve their local area, and of those, three-quarters (76%) felt that the EU’s support had had a positive impact on development in their city or region. However there were big gaps in levels of awareness – being generally much higher in countries that were eligible for more substantial amounts of funding. We are making strides in getting the message out there but there is still work to do.

Regional policy investments that Europe channels through the structural funds have brought benefits to millions of EU citizens. EU funds have had a direct impact on accelerating the growth of many regions by investing in infrastructure, research and innovation, environmental improvements, people's skills and support to business. Working in partnership is a cornerstone of delivery. The Commission will soon bring forward the 5^th Cohesion Report which will set out broad orientations on the future cohesion policy post-2013. In this respect, I intend to ensure that the multi-level governance system i.e. coordinated action between the EU, the Member States and local and regional authorities - remains at the heart of regional policy. Local and regional bodies must be fully involved in policy design and delivery. This will help to ensure that actions are adapted to circumstances on the ground and that there is a genuine commitment to joint success – success that should prove inspirational for citizens.