Belgium, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) The European Commission redirected aid for recovery from the coronavirus crisis to the integration of refugees in a decision on Wednesday.
The move changes the rules for use of Cohesion Policy funds in the period between 2021 and 2027 with the aim of helping EU member states to step up support for Ukrainian refugees, the EC noted in a statement.
The body pointed out that new rules allow higher pre-financing payments in 2022 and 2023, stressing that this will provide additional solvency to member states.
It noted that new rules allow bloc members to use the Cohesion Fund for projects aimed at facilitating the integration of foreign nationals and addressing the consequences of migration.
Valdis Dombrovskis, European Commissioner for Trade, stressed that “the EU stands in full solidarity with Ukraine against Russia’s brutal aggression.”
He reminded us that the bloc took in millions of Ukrainian refugees and is facing economic consequences of the move.
Humanitarian and economic goals
“Today’s proposal has an important humanitarian and economic objective: to improve the EU’s support for displaced people from Ukraine and to simplify member states’ work to carry out key EU-funded projects that now risk being delayed,” Dombrovskis stressed.
He concluded that the EC’s move will make Cohesion Policy rules more flexible while adhering to Green Deal objectives.
Elisa Ferreira, European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, stressed that “the consequences of Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine are growing by the day.”
She pointed out that new rules will make it easier for EU member states to finance integration programs.
Nicolas Schmit, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, stressed that “the EU has so far welcomed more than 6.2 million people fleeing from Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine.”
He commended national authorities for doing “a great job under very difficult circumstances in providing food, shelter, education, counseling and employment opportunities to those arriving.”
The EC stressed that its move is aimed at supporting member states in their humanitarian efforts and showing solidarity with Ukrainian refugees.
The body concluded that the latest legislative proposals “optimize the effective use of the funds and address further needs of member states and regional and local authorities following the war in Ukraine.”
