Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2003-09-02-Speech-2-032"

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"Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I too would like to thank the two rapporteurs. They have highlighted the importance of cohesion policy for the European Union, and therefore for the people of Europe. The cohesion policy is a policy of solidarity, particularly for the structurally disadvantaged regions. Today the fundamental policies of the European Union are being called into question. The press are referring to the so-called extra costs in exaggerated terms. It is essential to underline how vital these policies are, especially for the regions that have benefited from them to date. How far behind would they have lagged in terms of development without European Union aid? These are the policies that make the European Union come alive for its citizens. They are policies advocating solidarity, redistribution and the creation of bridges between areas that are not experiencing the same difficulties. I have no hesitation in saying that these policies have brought the European Union alive. It is incumbent upon us to ensure policies like these are retained. We must keep on the right track. It is not a question of restructuring the European budget to make it more dynamic; rather it is a matter of increasing the budget. If the European Union wants to do more, it must provide itself with the means to do so. I must emphasise one point in particular. It concerns our development indicators. GDP alone is no longer a relevant criterion. Now we have achieved a certain degree of macro-equity in Europe, it is time to refine these criteria. Micro-economic indicators must be taken into account and this assessment should constantly inform our future action. I am now thinking in particular of the regions affected by desertification and suffering from structural handicaps in relation to employment, training, amenities, accessibility and demography. The Commission should now have all the necessary staff in place following the reform. I trust, therefore, it will ensure that these funds are actually spent."@en1

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