Rösler: European structural policy of great importance for the EU's economic and social development
Dr. Philipp Rösler, Federal Minister of Economics and Technology, met today in Berlin with Elzbieta Bienkowska, Polish Minister of Regional Development. Their discussions focused on European structural policy and regional assistance.
Minister Rösler commented: "European structural policy is of great importance for the EU's economic and social development. Both Germany and Poland have regions with very different levels of development. For this reason, the EU's regional assistance plays a special role in both countries. As in the past, the EU's structural policy must continue to concentrate on the less developed regions. However, it is also important to put transitional rules in place for regions like eastern Germany which will cease to be covered by the assistance due to the recent positive developments. Such rules are necessary if the recovery process in these regions is to be placed on a lasting basis. If the EU's political objectives of attaining smart, sustainable and inclusive growth are to be attained, it is also necessary for structural policy to include the more developed regions. At the same time, the European Union's financial framework for the
2014-2020 period must take account of the efforts being made by the member states to consolidate their budgets. First, the framework must be restricted to one percent of the gross national income of the EU. Second, the disbursement of assistance should be made dependent on compliance with the Stability and Growth Pact."
Both ministers agreed that it is necessary to ensure that the funding is used more effectively, so that the strategic objectives and intended results of the assistance can be achieved in the best possible manner. The chief objectives are the creation of growth and jobs, and the strengthening of competition.
Minister Rösler commented: "The General Affairs Council on 24 April made good progress on this. This is not least due to the good preparation of this debate by the current Danish Presidency and its Polish predecessor in the second half of 2011."
Rösler and Bienkowska agreed to continue the bilateral dialogue.
