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Meeting of Directors-General discusses climate measures of Structural Funds

Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment
Publication date 15.10.2019 9.54
Press release

The meeting of Directors-General responsible for cohesion policy on 16 October 2019 will discuss the EU’s regional and structural policy measures to achieve the climate objectives of the Paris Agreement and move towards a greener, climate neutral Europe.

As part of its Presidency of the Council of the EU, Finland will organise a meeting of the Directors-General responsible for cohesion policy in Finlandia Hall on 16 October 2019. The meeting will discuss how the structural funds for the 2021-2027 programming period should be allocated to promote the EU’s climate objectives. The Directors-General will discuss the regional and local means to support the transition towards a climate neutral Europe. 

The transition to a climate neutral Europe will promote economic growth and competitiveness as well as new business opportunities and jobs. It may increase regional inequality in the short term. Therefore, a controlled transition to climate neutrality is important for social fairness.

The objective is that the European Commission takes the views presented at the meeting into consideration when it drafts legislation to respond to the challenges of sustainable development. One proposal is to establish a Just Transition Fund. According to the Commission’s preliminary outline, a fund will be necessary in regions dependent on coal-intensive production, which need to transition to cleaner technology or other less polluting industries. 

The aim of the Finnish Presidency is to make the EU the most competitive and socially inclusive climate neutral economy in the world. Finland wants to ensure that the EU’s multiannual financial framework for 2021-2027 will support this goal.  

Inquiries

Senior Specialist Eliisa Hujala, MEAE, tel. +358 295 064 949

 
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