​The third meeting of the COTER commission under the current legislative mandate featured discussions on the future of cohesion policy and the territorial impacts of the green and digital transitions. EA Group President, Nanette Maupertuis, and delegated group coordinator, Kieran McCarthy, contributed ideas on how to foster a stronger and more effective cohesion policy, calling for partnership, subsidiarity and a place-based approach.

Kieran McCarthy reiterated calls for closer and more frequent cooperation between the CoR and external partners, including managing authorities and other EU institutions, to facilitate more collaborative and effective action on common goals. During the debate on the 2021-2027 cohesion policy framework, he reminded guest speakers representing various local authorities from across the EU that the CoR is a key advocate for decentralisation, subsidiarity and multi-level governance. 'We're here to help you' he explained, summarising his message. In a later debate on the territorial impacts of the green and digital transformation of the mobility system, Mr. McCarthy praised the European Commission's Social Climate Fund for broadening the discussion around just transition beyond GDP and funding. He promoted closer cooperation in this area and better communication between the Commission and LRAs, stressing 'We have so much in common'.

Speaking in debates on the 2021-2027 cohesion policy framework and on cohesion policy's role in fostering territorial cohesion, President Maupertuis advocated for renewed cohesion policy methods premised on subsidiarity and partnership. She highlighted the importance of a renewed cohesion policy and MFF framework that can balance urban and rural futures, stating: 'Local actors are clearly asking for new methods'. To this end, President Maupertuis proposed a placed-based approach to cohesion policy with flexible performance evaluation mechanisms, increased support for local infrastructure and public services and synergies with the Common Agricultural Policy. Flexibility and simplification, she stressed, are essential for meeting stakeholders' diverse needs and for avoiding excessive regulatory burdens on disadvantaged regions.