Press Release: Barca Report: Commissioner Danuta Hübner and Fabrizio Barca present reform proposals for EU Cohesion Policy

Danuta Hübner, European Commissioner for Regional Policy, and Fabrizio Barca, Director General in Italy's Ministry of Finance and Economy, presented the findings of the 'Barca Report - an agenda for a reformed Cohesion Policy' on 27 April. The report, requested by the Commissioner, set out the rationale for a European Cohesion Policy and put forward recommendations for a comprehensive reform based on ten 'pillars'. Doctor Barca's proposals have been developed in full independence from the Commission, with input from academic experts and Member State officials following a series of meetings held throughout 2008. The report is part of a thorough reflection process on the future policy post-2013, which began in 2007 with the Fourth Report on Economic and Social Cohesion.