After regional leaders marched on Brussels, the European Commission announced this week that cohesion policy will keep the lion's share of EU funding with special emphasis on innovation and training.

Regional win for cohesion policy

EU solidarity with its regions  after 2013 is here to stay.

That’s Commissioner Hahn's message  from his report on cohesion policy.

But investments should be made  considering the EU strategy

We must focus on innovation of  small and medium businesses

and macroeconomic stabilisation  should be stressed more than now.

In October, the presidents of the regions  marched on the European Commission.

They fear the cohesion policy,  is paying the price of the economic crisis.

The EU will continue to invest in  cooperation with local representatives.

Regional and cohesion policies are the  real tool for us all to progress together,

and also to reconcile citizens with Europe,  or at least bring them closer.

In 2010, 49 billion euros were provided  for the poorest regions

to catch up with the richest.  After 2013 the figure is unknown.

The funds could be subject  to stricter monitoring.

Now there are conditions to be met by  Member States or regions

to ensure that these structural funds  are invested efficiently

and that they contribute to growth,  new jobs and competitiveness.