DG REGIO’s Nicola de Michelis Visits Crete for Cohesion Policy Talks
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The Region of Crete welcomed Nicola de Michelis, Director‑General for Regional and Urban Policy at the European Commission (DG REGIO), for a high‑level meeting focused on the management and future direction of EU regional development programmes. De Michelis, responsible for Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Spain, met with Regional Governor Stavros Arnaoutakis to discuss the evolving landscape of Cohesion Policy and the role of regional authorities in shaping and implementing development strategies.
During the meeting, Governor Arnaoutakis highlighted the importance of maintaining regional responsibility for programme management, noting that proximity to local needs and stakeholders is essential for effective implementation. He informed the DG REGIO delegation that Greece’s Union of Regions (ENPE) has unanimously supported the continuation and strengthening of regional management across all development programmes.
The DG REGIO Director was accompanied by Panagiotis Pantazatos, Head of the Cyprus–Greece Unit, and Elena Banava, responsible for the “Crete 2021–2027” programme. Also present was Maria Kassotaki, Head of the Managing Authority of the Regional Programme “Crete”.
A working session followed at the Region’s new administrative building, bringing together representatives of local authorities, university leaders, Managing Authority staff and DG REGIO officials. The discussion centered on the progress of the ESPA 2021–2027 programme and the emerging priorities for the next programming period 2028–2034.
De Michelis emphasized the constructive and transparent cooperation between DG REGIO and the Region of Crete, while outlining the ongoing negotiations for the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework. He noted that the role of Regions in Cohesion Policy funding is currently under review, with proposals exploring greater centralization of funds at national level. He encouraged local stakeholders to actively participate in the debate to ensure regional needs remain visible and well‑represented.Turning to the current programming period, de Michelis stressed the urgency of accelerating implementation. He pointed out that the spending target for the coming year reaches €200 million, underscoring the need for immediate prioritization of projects capable of delivering timely and measurable results. He noted that successful and rapid execution of the 2021–2027 programme will serve as the strongest argument for preserving the role of Regions in the next cycle—an approach DG REGIO continues to support.
The visit reaffirmed Crete’s position as an active participant in European regional policy discussions and as a Region committed to effective programme management, strategic planning and collaboration with EU institutions. At a time when the future architecture of Cohesion Policy is being shaped, Crete contributes with clear priorities, operational readiness and a forward‑looking perspective on regional development.
