In Strasbourg, during a plenary session of the European Parliament, a debate took place on strengthening rural areas in the EU through cohesion policy. PiS MEP Waldemar Buda spoke on behalf of the ECR Group.
Waldemar Buda emphasized that the sustainable development of all of Europe “is an absolute priority.” He stated that the report under discussion identifies problems “that are quite obvious,” such as depopulation, underinvestment, and a lack of quality public services. However, according to the MEP, in addition to these diagnoses, the report should also include calls for increased funding for cohesion policy and the Common Agricultural Policy in order to minimize these problems.
As he noted, this is particularly important in the context of ongoing discussions regarding cuts to the CAP and regional policies in the new financial framework.
“So we’re making the right diagnoses, but in a moment we want to take actions that will exacerbate these problems,” he remarked.
Buda recalled that between 2021 and 2023, the PiS government allocated over 100 billion zlotys to support cohesion policy through a strategic program for small towns. “This program was blocked by the current government last year, and we’re already seeing the consequences,” said the MEP, noting that small towns “are once again becoming unattractive; they no longer offer a viable alternative to large cities.”
“So let’s consider whether these plans we’re hearing about—to cut funding for the CAP and cohesion policy in the new financial framework—will lead to even greater divisions and disparities in development,” the politician urged.
