Positions of the Ruhrgebiet

Joint interest representation of the cities and counties

Advocacy for the region

Many EU policies impact local economies and societies. Therefore, European policy issues are a constant priority for the Ruhrgebiet. The Regionalverband Ruhr (RVR) continuously advocates for the region's interests, for example by way of expert discussions, through position papers, and in consultations. Key topics include the future of EU Cohesion Policy, the revitalisation of industrial sites, strengthening social cohesion, and the region's green transition.

Good to know

The RVR coordinates the Ruhrgebiet's positions on EU policies through joint working groups with its cities and counties. The aim is to speak with one voice on important topics.

Aktuell

Current developments

Positions of the Ruhrgebiet on EU Cohesion Policy 2028-2034

The RVR, together with the cities and counties of the Ruhrgebiet as well as other regional partners, has collated common positions on the future of EU Cohesion Policy. The positions describe 10 fundamental requirements for the design of the future funding programmes:

1.	EU cohesion funds must remain available to all regions after 2027.
2.	Structural funds are no crisis instruments. A reliable framework and long-term investments are an important precondition for the success of transition projects.
3.	It requires strong cohesion funds, an EU co-financing rate of 50% and additional co-funding from the Federal Government and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia to enable municipalities to finance and realise transition projects.
4.	In Germany, EU structural funds should continue to be implemented under shared management between the EU Commission and the state level (“Länder”).
5.	The partnership principle must be reinforced to allow for tailor-made funding approaches that take local needs and circumstances sufficiently into account.
6.	All structural funds should be covered by a single common provisions regulation. The State of North Rhine-Westphalia is additionally asked to evaluate the use of a single multi-fund programme for all its structural funds.
7.	There is a need for better coordination between the ministries and directorates at all levels (EU – federal – state) to improve the conditions for integrated funding projects.
8.	To reduce financial risks and administrative barriers, cohesion policy measures should generally be defined as being compliant with EU state-aid law.
9.	The potential of digitalisation, pre-financing, and lump sum funding should be systematically exploited to reduce the administrative burden for applicants.
10.	Technical assistance should be consistently used for local one-stop-shops. The State of North Rhine-Westphalia is asked to set up local structures that provide advice on all EU funds under shared management.