Strengthening the local heart of Europe

The European Union’s (EU) Cohesion Policy has long served as its most democratic instrument of integration, offering sustained investment to support the development of vulnerable European regions. The proposed new EU budget aims to simplify processes and enhance efficiency. While reform of the Cohesion Policy is undoubtedly overdue, gutting its content and slashing its funding would be a historic mistake. Sidelining cohesion risks marginalising local voices and undermining the European project. At a time of growing discontent, Europe cannot afford to turn its back on its democratic, locally grounded heart.