In Brussels, during the ongoing hearings of candidates for the new European Commission, Marlena Maląg, Vice-Chair of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON), Marlena Maląg, questioned Valdis Dombrovskis, the Latvian candidate for Commissioner for Economy and Efficiency, Implementation, and Simplification.
Marlena Maląg noted that the Latvian politician supports the idea of focusing the European Union’s budget on strategic goals, particularly innovation. Among these, she highlighted the establishment of a competitiveness fund, the integration of innovation spending, and the expansion of the results-based payment principle known from the RFF. “Do your plans mean that cohesion and convergence—which have so far been at the heart of European integration—should give way to the pursuit of competitiveness?” asked the MEP, reflecting on this shift in priorities. According to Maląg, this reform would mean less money for traditional regional funds and for the Common Agricultural Policy. “Furthermore, making payments contingent on results will expose regions to additional difficulties in securing funds, as it will, in a sense, make them hostages to the implementation of reforms at the national level,” warned the PiS MEP.
Valdis Dombrovskis emphasized that economic, social, and territorial cohesion is a key objective enshrined in the treaties of the European Union. “Coming from a so-called new member state, I realize how important cohesion policy is for ensuring the convergence of economic development in these countries and regions, and how important it is from the perspective of public sector investment,” he noted.
He also emphasized: “We need a strong cohesion and growth policy centered on the regions, one that will be developed in cooperation with national, regional, and local authorities.” He said it is essential to address local and regional differences to ensure that all citizens can remain “in the place they call home.”
“I see no contradiction between cohesion and competitiveness. I am confident that we will find the right balance and strike a fair equilibrium between these two elements,” the Commissioner-designate argued. He also stated that he intends to create a fund for competitiveness, “and competitiveness and productivity are the elements that allow us to sustain prosperity in the long term.”
