Latvian presidency: Cohesion policy closely linked with "Competitive Europe"

Latvian Finance Minister Janis Reirs said cohesion policy is closely linked with the Latvian Council Presidency's priority of "Competitive Europe".

He made the remarks when he addressed Members of the European Parliament (EP) at the Regional Development Committee (REGI).

According to the EP, the priorities of Latvia's EU Council Presidency will be outlined to the various parliamentary committees by Latvian ministers in a series of meetings to be held during the last two weeks of January.

The topic discussed on Tuesday included cohesion policy, women's rights and gender equality, legal affairs, culture and education, foreign affairs etc.

"Cohesion Policy as an investment policy can play an important role in growth of each EU Member State. EU citizens are interested in particular improvements in their lives, and the Cohesion Policy is able to facilitate growth and create jobs," Reirs said.

The minister emphasized that structural reforms, fiscal responsibility and investment played a significant role in facilitating growth in the European Union (EU), and Cohesion Policy is strengthening these three elements.

He suggested that Cohesion Policy should be seen as investment rather than a money distribution policy. Endit