Written - Meeting With Commissioner Hahn, the European Commissioner for Regional Affairs

On 22 February I met Commissioner Hahn, the new European Commissioner for Regional Affairs - his appointment was confirmed by the European Parliament on 9 February - in Brussels.  I understand that I am the first minister from the United Kingdom to meet the Commissioner.

We discussed the current Structural Funds programme in Wales and explored the parameters for the unfolding debate about the European Union Budget and the possible shape of cohesion policy after 2013. 

I explained that the Structural Funds, both through Convergence and Competitiveness, have formed an important part of our economic development strategy and that cohesion policy instruments will remain important to us when the current round ends after 2013.  The Commissioner noted that he’s currently examining options ahead of the debate on the EU budget.  We agreed that flexibility in programme structures will be important to help meet future challenges.     

I concluded by inviting the Commissioner to visit Wales so that he can see at first hand some of the Structural Fund projects that have helped our economy.  It is also important that, as we prepare for cohesion policy after 2013, there is a full and open debate among partners across Wales, and with the European Commission, about the best ways to frame future policy.