Text tabled : A7-0222/2011

  Iosif Matula (PPE), in writing. – (RO) Cohesion policy has been the main factor contributing to balanced economic growth within the European Union. Against the background of changes due to the economic crisis and enlargement, cohesion policy is faced with new challenges. At the present juncture, we need an ambitious European policy which will be capable of responding to the numerous challenges presented now and in the future, such as demographic changes, adapting to a knowledge-based economy or globalisation. The success of the Europe 2020 strategy depends on the future of cohesion policy. This is why I think that it is vital to continue with the three thematic objectives. The Pieper report has managed to draw our attention to relevant aspects of the future allocation of funding. I voted for this report as I regard the tasks of improving future funding and increasing its transparency after 2013 as important. Although there were conflicting opinions dividing the options which MEPs had regarding the new category of regions, the final vote demonstrated again that the Union can identify compromise solutions when it comes to its common future. Today’s vote confirms for me that the post-2013 cohesion policy depends most on the way in which we manage to find the common solution to suit the 27 national interests that are sometimes different.