Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi Urges Stronger, Fairer And Territorially Sensitive Cohesion Policy Beyond 2027

Minister for European Funds and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme, Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, today addressed the High-Level Conference on the Future of Cohesion Policy in Bucharest, organised by Romanian Minister for Investments and European Projects, Dragoș Pîslaru. The Minister highlighted the critical role of cohesion policy as a strategic driver of sustainable development, competitiveness, and social progress across the European Union.

Speaking alongside Ministers and European Commission Vice-President Raffaele Fitto, Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi reaffirmed Malta’s longstanding view that cohesion policy must remain a universal and territorially sensitive instrument, particularly for smaller Member States facing permanent structural challenges.

“Cohesion policy has helped Malta strengthen skills, digitalisation, environmental priorities and public services. It has been central to our transition towards a more resilient and innovative economy,” the Minister said. “But today, we must look ahead. This is a crucial moment for the future of cohesion.”

He expressed concern that, while the European Commission’s plans to modernise cohesion are welcome, certain aspects of the proposed Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) risk undermining the visibility, predictability and dedicated nature of cohesion funding.

“The proposed allocation system introduces uncertainty. For island Member States like Malta, vulnerabilities linked to higher connectivity costs, land pressures and external dependencies are amplified. These realities demand genuine place-based solutions, which cohesion policy is uniquely designed to deliver,” he stated.

Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi stressed that cohesion must not become merely a tool for delivering reforms, but should continue to serve as a cornerstone of European integration, competitiveness, and above all public trust. He called for future cohesion frameworks to: Maintain adequate and fair funding for all regions, regardless of the development rate of the Member State. Enhance flexibility without sacrificing predictability or regional influence. Ensure cohesion remains universal, territorially balanced and adequately resourced and preserve multi-level governance and the involvement of regional and local authorities.

“Only by working across all levels of governance can we ensure cohesion continues to drive convergence, innovation and balanced growth throughout Europe. Malta remains fully committed to working with our partners to ensure a strong, effective and future-ready cohesion policy,” the Minister concluded.

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