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REGI Chair Danuta Hübner warns about separation of European Social Fund from cohesion policy . 01.07.2010, July 01, 2010
BrusselsThe Chair of the Parliament Committee on Regional Development Danuta Hübner (EPP, PL) expressed concerns about the possible separation of the European Social Fund from the field of cohesion policy in a letter sent on Tuesday to José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission.
Danuta Hübner points out that the separation could reduce the European added value of the fund and reminds that her committee has always "strongly and unanimously maintained that the European Social Fund must remain an integral part of cohesion policy for it is an effective structural instrument to be exploited primarily by the regions as part of an inclusive and place based development policy".
The letter was sent in response to the ongoing debate in the European Commission on the possible separation of the ESF from the cohesion policy in order to create an independent employment strategy, with the support of the fund.
Until now the ESF has been part of the cohesion policy, in supporting national policies seeking to increase employment, improve quality and productivity at work, and reduce social exclusion and regional employment disparities. Its role in the framework of cohesion policy goes far beyond the employment agenda, embracing all other aspects of social cohesion. The letter expresses concerns that the separation of ESF from cohesion policy might undermine the coherence of both structural funds of the EU – the ESF and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) – and thus their efficiency.
"The experience clearly demonstrates that at the level of each of 271 regions of the European Union, ERDF financing of economic actions (innovation, research, SMEs, environment etc.) can be more effective if closely coordinated and integrated with the ESF. Experience has also shown that when ESF action is principally carried out at national level European added value is reduced," stresses the letter.
The discussion on the future of the ESF takes place in the context of preparing the EU financial framework for 2014-2020, where cohesion policy will hold a major place in the debates within the Commission and Member States as well as in the European Parliament.
REGI Committee webpage
Danuta Hübner profile on Europarl
More on Regional policy and funds: EC webpage
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Temporary Committee; completed its work 31.07.2011
Temporary Committee; completed its work 31.07.2011
Professor Danuta Huebner presented the report on the
achievements of EU regional policy in the years 2004-2009.
