The European Commission said more time is needed to present the review of its regional funding programme, which accounts for one-third of the EU budget.
A mid-term evaluation of the EU’s regional funding programme was initially scheduled for release this week, but was abruptly removed from the agenda of the College of Commissioners.
Speculation has emerged that concerns over potentially reallocating these funds for defence purposes contributed to the delay in the aftermath of the recent EU push on security amid geopolitical uncertainties.
“We are still working on this. It is a complex issue that requires proper consideration and the right approach,” said Commission Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto, who oversees the EU’s cohesion policy.
Speaking after the meeting of EU-27 regional policy ministers, he said: “We’re not in any rush to do it in one Commission meeting or another.”
The review is a crucial assessment conducted by the European Commission to evaluate the performance, effectiveness, and efficiency of the funds, which amount to nearly €370 billion for the 2021-2027 programming period, representing one-third of the EU’s long-term budget.
Defence concerns
The evaluation is seen as pivotal in the ongoing reform of the EU’s cohesion policy, as the Commission is reportedly exploring options to reallocate unspent funds to strengthen defence capabilities.
Recent discussions have suggested increasing flexibility in financing military mobility projects and dual-use infrastructure that could serve both civilian and defence purposes.
The Commission has also previously considered reallocating portions of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Cohesion Fund (CF) for defence-related projects.
Traditionally, these funds are intended to reduce economic, social, and territorial disparities across EU regions by supporting investments in infrastructure and innovation. The potential redirection of funds toward defence has sparked debate among EU member states and regional authorities.
Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz, Poland’s minister of regional Policy, chairing the ministerial meeting, said she is open to the possibility of using cohesion funds for defence and security.
“However, at present, we are focusing specifically on the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) and the new security funds. Cohesion funds should primarily support the development of Polish [and European] regions,” she said.
Others have warned against diverting funds meant for long-term regional development.
“Shifting funds around is not the solution. If you simply divert resources from economic cohesion to defence, you risk undermining the very foundation of EU solidarity,” said Kata Tüttő, President of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), who addressed ministers this morning.
