Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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157. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for a report on his attendance at the informal General Affairs Council (Cohesion) in Warsaw; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27719/25]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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Cohesion Policy is the European Union's strategy to promote and support the development of its Member States and regions by reinforcing economic, social and territorial dimensions. It aims to mitigate disparities in development levels among regions, promote equitable growth and integration throughout the EU.

Cohesion funding is used across the country to support a range of initiatives including reskilling and upskilling, supporting SMEs, investment in research and development, and assisting in the just transition. It also supports the PEACEPLUS programme for Northern Ireland and the border counties.

This meeting, under the Policy presidency of the Council of the EU, was a strategic discussion of the priorities for Cohesion Policy post-2027. This is in advance of the forthcoming announcements by the commission on the new EU budget package and proposed changes to the legislation governing Cohesion Policy funds.

The roundtable discussion centred on three main questions:

• how to ensure that EU policies other than cohesion are territorially sensitive;
• what types of territories require particular focus due to the challenges they experience; and
• whether existing mechanisms and platforms are sufficient to ensure a regionally focused approach.

• The core focus of Cohesion Policy should continue to be the economic, social and territorial integration of the European Union – across all of its regions.
• It will only deliver its objectives if its core elements – including cofinancing and a place-based approach - are supported; it is adequately funded; and its focus remains on the long-term development of our regions.
• We urgently need to simplify the unnecessary regulatory complexity surrounding the management of Cohesion Policy Funds and ensure that regulations support initiatives to promote jobs and growth.
• Finally, we are committed to upholding and strengthening the rule of law. This underpins the single market and is key to the implementation of the Union’s common legal and security framework; it fosters trust and transparency; and allows citizens and companies to thrive.