The President of the Government participated today in Brussels at the plenary session of the Committee of the Regions, where he stressed the importance of Cohesion Policy, taking into account their support to the goals towards job creation, business competitiveness, economic growth and sustainable development in European regions.
 
Vasco Cordeiro spoke during a debate on the implications for local and regional authorities of the United Kingdom's decision to leave the Union ( Bruit), which included the participation of Michel Barnier, the chief negotiator of the European Commission responsible for the preparation and conduction of negotiations with the UK.
 
In his speech, the President of the Government warned of the risk of a possible reduction of funds in the EU budget, following Britain's decision to leave the European Union, which might have implications on the cohesion policy.
 
"The fact that some may take advantage of this opportunity and call into question one of the fundamental policies, which is the cohesion policy, is indeed another reason for concern, "said Vasco Cordeiro.
 
The Cohesion policy is the main EU investment policy; it is implemented through three main financial funds: European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Cohesion Fund (CF) and the European Social Fund (ESF).
 
Vasco Cordeiro is being accompanied in this works of the 122nd plenary session of the Committee of the Regions taking place in the European Parliament building in Brussels by the Regional Assistant Secretary of the Presidency for External Relations, Rui Bettencourt.
 
The Autonomous Region of the Azores has a seat at the Committee of the Regions - a body that comprises more than 350 members from all Member States - since its inception. Currently, the Region is represented by the President of the Government, Vasco Cordeiro.