Aligning Cohesion Policy with the New Industrial Competitiveness Agenda for Balanced Growth and Stronger Strategic Resilience

This session discusses the potential tensions and synergies between the European Union's assertive new industrial policy and its core mission of cohesion. Under initiatives to promote strategic autonomy and technological leadership, investments are likely to favour established innovation hubs, deepening the divide between industrial powerhouses and peripheral regions. Cohesion Policy is already a major contributor to the industrial transformation agenda, supporting smart specialisation and strategic value chains. Can global competitiveness be pursued without cost to territorial balance? An opening interview sets the scene, three speakers add their views, and the floor is invited to debate.