According to Minister Jevšek, it is important to take into due account the specificities of regions and their differences, including in individual member states, thus allowing them to better work together for a common EU response to current and future challenges.

Minister Jevšek said: ''It is key that we give regions more flexibility in deciding types of investments in the process of programming and implementing cohesion policy, build administrative capacities of partners and stakeholders at all levels and cut red tape by building trust in institutions.''  

He added that the unique social and economic model of Europe must contribute to a competitive and fair digital and green transition of the European Union by respecting the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights. The Minister also noted that it is important to take on board the social costs of the twin transition and to ensure that no one is left behind.

Minister Jevšek underscored that cohesion policy must remain the key investment policy of the European Union to strengthen the competitiveness, sustainability and resilience of the European Union and the convergence of its regions.

Dr Jevšek also attended the meeting of cohesion ministers from the Party of European Socialists (PES) that took place before the General Affairs Council. The ministers agreed that cohesion policy is one of the key policies for making the European project and social democracy stronger.