The EU's cohesion policy will play a "key role in the creation of growth and jobs, particularly in post-crisis situation in Europe", says Iskra Mihaylova. The chair of parliament's regional development (REGI) committee, Mihaylova also highlights the role MEPs play in "guaranteeing transparency in the activities of the commission", which she says "will increase the trust between institutions and European citizens".
"The REGI committee," explains the Bulgarian Liberal, "controls the efficient implementation of the legislative framework for reformed cohesion policy for regional development in close partnership with the commission, Committee of the Regions (CoR), the European economic and social committee (EESC) and other partners on the European, national and regional levels."
For Mihaylova, the key context over the coming legislative term will be "implementation". "After a period of very active and productive work by REGI on the legislative framework for the reformed cohesion policy, we have to refocus our attention on issues of implementation. We must conduct analysis of targets achieved and problems and guarantee transparency, communication and dialogue with the member states, stakeholders and citizens regarding the impact of the cohesion policy."
"After a period of very active and productive work by REGI on the legislative framework for the reformed cohesion policy, we have to refocus our attention on issues of implementation"
"Macroeconomic conditionality and better coordination between the structural and investment funds with EU economic governance will be on the agenda of the committee," she stresses, adding that "legislative proposals could be prepared if necessary". Areas such as the urban agenda, crossborder cooperation and SMEs are a natural part of our work and we have to put together the preparation of policy proposals for the post-2020 period."
Speaking personally, Mihaylova underlines her desire to "strengthen the REGI committee's role during cohesion policy implementation" and increase "cooperation with parliament's budgets and budgetary control committees, as well as external cooperation with the CoR, EESC, European court of auditors and the European investment bank". She also emphasised the need to "improve value for money" in the EU's regional spending, while "reinforcing the communication of REGI's work and that of cohesion policy towards citizens and stakeholders from the member states". This is crucial, says Mihaylova, for "increasing the dialogue and feedback from member states and stakeholders regarding the impact of the cohesion policy".
On the incoming Juncker commission, the ALDE deputy says all members of her committee expect "strong support for cohesion policy's role in boosting growth and jobs, good cooperation and partnership". In exchange, she says, "we offer our experience, support and constructive dialog and expect the highest levels of professionalism and commitment".
Iskra Mihaylova is chair of parliament's regional development committee