The Regional Assistant Secretary of the Presidency for External Relations expressed in Brussels the Regional Government's concern with the proposal presented by the European Commission regarding the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2021-2027.
 
Rui Bettencourt spoke at the 129th Plenary Session of the Committee of the Regions during a debate on the Multiannual Financial Framework, expressing his concern over the statements made by the European Commissioner for Budget and Human Resources, Günther Oettinger.
 
According to Rui Bettencourt, the budget proposed by the Commission "fails not only for the reduction of funds under the Cohesion and Common Agricultural Policy, but also for what it represents."
 
"These cuts are taking place in a context where the European Union's overall allocation has not dropped. Therefore, this is the Commission's choice: a clear diversion of funding from the Cohesion Policy and CAP, managed by Member States and regions, to centralised management policies in Brussels," said the government official.
 
The government official acknowledged the existence of "new challenges" and the "relevance" of policies such as innovation, science, youth or mobility. According to him, these "policies, as they are fundamental, must be part of reinforced cohesion policies to be managed by Member States and regions."
 
"The Commission considers that, by not doing so, centralised policies are more efficient," stated Rui Bettencourt. Nonetheless, regions have "the capacity, legitimacy and will to coordinate all development policies towards their convergence."
 
On the sidelines of this plenary session of the Committee of the Regions, Rui Bettencourt welcomed the statements made by the European Union's chief negotiator for Brexit, Michel Barnier, last Tuesday.
 
This senior official assured that the "Outermost Regions and their specificities will not be forgotten during Brexit."
 
The Autonomous Region of the Azores holds its seat in the Committee of the Regions since its inception. This is an advisory body to European institutions representing regional and local authorities of the European Union, which comprises 350 members from all Member States. Currently, the Region is represented by the President of the Government, Vasco Cordeiro, and the Regional Assistant Secretary of the Presidency for External Relations, Rui Bettencourt, as alternate member.