Chambers says cohesion funding key to EU solidarity

Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers has said that cohesion funding remains one of the European Union's most effective expressions of solidarity.

During Ireland's EU Presidency Mr Chambers is responsible for cohesion policy.

Today he will welcome ministers and senior officials from across the European Union to discuss this issue in Dublin Castle.

Cohesion funding is designed to reduce economic, social and territorial disparities across member states.

It makes up more than one third of the current EU Budget amounting to €392 billion, and it is one of the largest components of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).

Discussions are expected to focus on how cohesion policy can promote long-term competitiveness while reducing disparities between regions.