Catalonia demands a leading EU role for regions in shaping the bloc’s future economic strategy.

This call came from the region’s Minister for the European Union and External Action, Jaume Duch, during a high-level meeting in Brussels on Tuesday.

Duch met with the European Commission’s Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, Raffaele Fitto.

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The meeting was organised by the Pyrenees-Mediterranean Euroregion. Consequently, Duch argued that strong regional influence is essential for a robust cohesion policy with sufficient funding.

Catalonia Demands Leading EU Role In Cohesion Policy

“At a time when the EU cannot afford to lose any allies, all regions must be able to step forward,” Duch stated, according to an official Generalitat communiqué. He emphasised that regions should have a protagonist role in the EU’s economic future.

Furthermore, the minister highlighted the critical importance of a well-funded cohesion policy. This policy is designed to reduce economic disparities between different EU areas. Therefore, Duch’s intervention seeks to safeguard Catalonia’s interests ahead of future budget negotiations.

The discussion also turned to the Mediterranean fishing sector. Duch expressed particular concern about the distribution of fishing quotas and catches for 2026. He reassured that the Catalan government has consistently defended the sector’s interests from the outset.

This push for regional influence comes amidst broader debates on EU governance. Meanwhile, other Catalan priorities, such as addressing the housing crisis, continue to demand significant local resources. The region’s economic weight, highlighted by its strong export performance, underpins its argument for a greater say in EU affairs.

Ultimately, Catalonia’s demand for a leading EU role reflects a wider trend of regions seeking more direct influence in Brussels. The outcome of these discussions will significantly impact future funding and policy directions for areas across Europe.

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