Brussels – The Czech Minister for Regional Development, Petr Kulhánek, emphasized the need for a robust continuation of cohesion policy in the upcoming programming period beginning in 2028, including provisions for defense funding. This statement followed a meeting today in Brussels where the minister also engaged with Commissioners Dan Jørgensen, who oversees energy and housing, and Apostolos Tzitzikostas, responsible for Sustainable Transport and Tourism.
Today marked a gathering of EU ministers focused on cohesion policy in Belgium. The EU cohesion funds, which are also utilized by the Czech Republic, aim to enhance living standards in less affluent regions of the EU. “We talked about the current status of cohesion policy, potential revisions during this programming period, and particularly the outlook for post-2028. There is a unanimous agreement on the importance of maintaining a strong cohesion policy,” Minister Kulhánek stated.
The European Commission has identified the enhancement of the EU’s defense capabilities as a key priority. It is urged that member states cooperate more closely on defense initiatives with substantial increases in defense budgets. Discussions are underway regarding the possibility of using cohesion funds for defense funding. Minister Kulhánek expressed the Czech Republic’s support for this initiative. “The inclusion of defense in cohesion discussions was highlighted in the meeting. It is clear that defense is becoming a priority, and we, as the Czech Republic, endorse this viewpoint,” he remarked. Initial discussions regarding the EU’s next seven-year budget for 2028 to 2034 are currently taking place in Brussels, with the European Commission expected to present initial proposals this summer, likely in July. (March 28)
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