Recommendation requested for a proposal on safeguarding employees from dangers associated with ionizing radiation exposure.
In a recent development, Jochen Schulte, State Secretary in the Ministry of Economics of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, led crisis talks in Brussels for two days, focusing on the future of EU funding programs like EFRE and ESF.
The discussions revolved around millions in funding that these programs provide for the state. The funds are utilised by Mecklenburg-Vorpommern for various purposes, including youth and school social work, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, investments in research, local structural development, and qualification programs for employees.
Schulte, a trusted aide of Minister President Manuela Schwesig, emphasised that decisions over these European funds must remain in the regions in the future. He stated that a shift of control over these funds to the national level would significantly restrict the state's scope for action.
According to Schulte, such a move would be a step backwards for Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The European Commission plans to merge existing funding programs into a single overall instrument by 2028, and the overall package is set to be agreed and controlled at the national level, not by the regions or federal states.
Schulte highlighted that this could threaten not only the economic development but also the overall acceptance of the European Union. The EU cohesion policy is crucial for the economic catch-up process in Eastern Germany, and a centralised control could potentially undermine these efforts.
Moreover, Schulte warned that shifting decisions over EU funding to the respective capitals distances Europe from the people. He underscored that the EU's strength lies in its ability to connect with and support its regions and citizens directly.
Schulte has served in politics for a long time and currently holds the position of State Secretary in the Ministry of Economics. The name of the EU representative with whom he negotiated about the future of EU funding programs is not explicitly mentioned in the provided search results. He met with representatives of the European Commission in Brussels on September 2 and 3, 2025, but no specific name is given.
Schulte's concerns echo the sentiment of many who believe that local control over EU funds is essential for effective and inclusive economic development. As the future of EU funding programs continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how these concerns will be addressed.
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