Shake-up of EU Commission regions department sparks fears for future of cohesion policy

Concern is rising after reports that DG Regio, the EU Commission department for urban and regional development, will be the latest victim of Ursula von der Leyen’s ‘simplification’ drive. In a bid to streamline myriad DG offices, EU budget commissioner Piotr Serafin was charged with simplifying the office maze “to cut unnecessary complexity,” in his own words. Although the recommendations on Serafin’s large-scale review of the European Commission are only expected later this year, reports have already emerged speculating about the merger of various DG offices into a centralised bureau to manage EU funds. The restructuring plans have thrown a spanner in the works of organisations working alongside DG Regio to strengthen EU partnerships with small governments. It is the commission’s designated body in maintaining direct contact with local authorities responsible for implementing EU funding. “While a directorate-general focused on investment could bring the benefit of a more coordinated approach to funding, it risks overlooking the territorial and implementation dimensions of European policies,” read a letter to Serafin from six organisations representing different networks of European cities sent in July. According to the letter, local and regional governments are responsible for implementing up to 70 percent of EU legislation. The EU’s effort to streamline its functions and prevent overlaps is part of commission president Ursula von der Leyen’s simplification strategy for making Europe more competitive. But budget cuts have also been waiting in the wings of the EU’s ambitious multi-annual financial framework (MFF) negotiations for 2028-2034, disliked by member states for its nearly €2 trillion demands. To read this story, log in or subscribeEnjoy access to all articles and 25 years of archives, comment and gift articles. Become a subscriber for as low as €1,75 per week.Read without limitsAlready a subscriber? Login