​Today's meeting of the ECON commission saw active engagement by EA Group member, René Jansen, in debates on European defence readiness and the Clean Industrial Act. Mr. Jansen called consistently for alignment of cohesion policy objectives within each of these initiatives to ensure that defence investments and clean industrial policies foster cohesion across EU territories.

On European defence readiness, René Jansen stressed that 'defence investments should complement, not replace, existing cohesion policies', recommending integrated programming that aligns security with long-term regional development plans. Mr. Jansen outlined various areas in which greater investment can enhance resilience and preparedness while boosting territorial cohesion and development. Firstly, fostering a good business climate within local and regional authorities will crucially ensure territorially balanced growth and guarantee Europe's broader economic security. Secondly, supporting local and regional authorities to develop disaster preparedness, cyber security and dual-use infrastructure will foster local capacity-building and strengthen the EU's overall resilience. Finally, promoting multi-level, cross-border and public-private cooperation will foster vital exchange of best practice and expertise, enhancing strategic investments, project-planning and innovation.

Mr. Jansen further sustained his defence of cohesion policy priorities when contributing to the debate on the European Commission's Clean Industrial Deal. Though he welcomed the deal's strong territorial focus, he called for greater institutionalisation of multi-level governance and LRA involvement within Europe's clean industrial transition. 'Regional authorities are essential for implementing place-based industrial policy' he stressed, advocating support for LRAs in delivering decarbonisation, circularity, innovation and cohesion goals at the local level. Moreover, simplification and de-regulation of trade and investment barriers must be prioritised to support investment and enterprise across Europe's regions. Ultimately, he emphasised that the Clean Industrial Deal must complement cohesion policy goals by advancing territorial convergence and ensuring equal access for all regions, including less-favoured and peripheral areas. 'The Clean Industrial Deal must not come at the expense of cohesion policy objectives' he concluded.