[FR] The structural funds reform and economic and social cohesion

Mr President of the Socialist Group, Commissioner, Mr President of the Party of European Socialists, dear friends, ladies and gentlemen, economic and social cohesion, as you know and as the President has pointed out, has become a kind of pillar of the marriage contract between the Member States of the European Union. This concept was enshrined for the first time in the Single European Act, the reform of the Treaties adopted in 1985 and implemented in 1987. Since then, this policy has been given increasing resources. Just two figures: the Structural Funds amounted to EUR 5 billion in 1985; today they stand at just over EUR 40 billion. Like a ghost returning to the scene of its crimes, and trying to avoid nostalgia, I would like to recall what we, and I, believe was the spirit of this policy, try to understand why it is facing the demographic, technological and globalisation changes that Europe is experiencing, and finally examine whether a new synthesis is necessary.