The position paper outlines the System's priorities for the definition and implementation of cohesion policy in the next programming cycle. Starting from an analysis of the current context, and the role cohesion has played in recent years in responding to the shocks that have affected European economies, the paper identifies key elements for post-2027 programming:

• Putting Competitiveness at the Heart of Cohesion Policyrecognising it as an engine of development for the territories;
• Preserving the regional dimension of policy, maintaining a governance model based on shared management between European, national and regional institutions;
• Strengthening results orientation in the programming and implementation of funds, promoting more centralised and effective performance evaluation mechanisms;
• Enhancing the economic and social partnershipensuring their full involvement in the definition of strategies and the implementation of interventions.