Social inclusion, job creation, and strengthening local communities At the end of April 2025, Commissioner Piotr Serafin visited Romania and Spain, where he met with government officials and beneficiaries of EU funding. The focus of the 5th leg of his Tour d’Europe was on social inclusion, job creation, and strengthening local communities. Page contents Page contents Romania------------------ Commissioner Piotr Serafin started the first part of the 5th leg of his tour in Bucharest! STOP 1: Meeting with the Romanian ad interim-President (24 April) Commissioner Serafin’s first meeting was with the Romanian ad interim-President, Ilie Bolojan. Siegfried Muresan, Member of the European Parliament, was also present.The President-interim talked about the RRF state of implementation in the country. He emphasised that simplification is needed to accelerate implementation of funds, but especially at the national level. He underlined the importance of the Commission’s support in applying more flexibility and avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach to investments. In addition, he confirmed Romania’s intention to use the SAFE loan facility, voiced support for EU enlargement, and called for an integrated approach to defence spending within the Union. STOP 2: Meeting with the Prime Minister Following this, the Commissioner met with the Prime Minister, Marcel Ciolacu. Florin-Ionut Barbu, Minister of Agriculture, and Victor Negrescu, Member of the European Parliament, also took part in this meeting.The conversation covered several topics, including the role of Romania in NATO, the need for EU support to reduce regional disparities, and priorities for future EU funding instruments. Additional topics included defence investments, support for farmers, the new own resources basket, and EU-wide taxation harmonisation. STOP 3: Meeting with Romania’s deputy Prime-Minister and Minister for Home Affairs (24 April) The meeting with Romania’s deputy Prime-Minister and Minister for Home Affairs came at a time where the Union finds itself facing increasing challenges related to security, border protection and migration management. As Romania is an external border country of the Union, talks with the country’s Minister for Home Affairs, Marcel Ciolacu, were crucial to strengthen Romania’s role in safeguarding the Union’s security as well as establishing a common budgetary stance on Europe’s defence and military mobility.Mr Predoiu noted the growing pressures at the border, and underlined Romania’s important contribution in supporting other Member States through the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). He observed that the current EU budget faces limitations in addressing emerging challenges, such as hybrid foreign interventions, and attacks on democratic institutions. He emphasised the importance of ensuring adequate resources for law enforcement, border management, and emergency services. STOP 4: Meeting with business and investors’ associations (24 April) Meeting with Romanian stakeholders, such as businesses and investors’ associations, was a key part of Commissioner Serafin’s visit. These meetings allowed him to directly interact with people impacted by EU funding, like those involved in infrastructure projects, innovation grants, or small business support.Hearing firsthand from those who benefit from EU funding, helped the Commissioner understand the efficiency of the current funding instruments, thereby making sure that future ones are accessible, efficient, and fit for purpose. It also represented a chance to discuss Romania’s economic resilience and how to support the county’s industrial competitiveness and economic growth.Participants called for greater flexibility, simplification, faster procedures, and adequate funding for all priorities. Defence and agriculture were also topics of discussion. STOP 5: Meeting with the Minister of EU funds and the Mayor of Oradea (24 April) Commissioner then travelled from Bucharest to Oradea, Romania’s most northwestern city. There, he had a working dinner with Marcel Bolos, the Minister of EU funds, Florin Birta, the Mayor of Oradea, and local and regional authorities. The meeting focused on the progress of regional programmes, funding flexibility, and administrative challenges. They discussed the impact of programme management structures, links between reforms and investments, and the use of simplified funding approaches. They also underlined the need for early preparation and clear frameworks to ensure timely implementation. STOP 6: Visit of local projects financed by EU funds (25 April) On the second day of his visit to Romania, Commissioner Serafin visited the city of Oradea, a great example of how EU funds can foster economic growth. First off, the Commissioner visited the County Hospital and the Oradea airport, two major infrastructure projects in Oradea, both benefiting from EU funding to enhance regional development.The Romanian leg of the tour finished with the visit of the Fortress of Oradea and Mobility Corridor, a significant historical landmark renowned for its well-preserved pentagonal architecture whose restoration of 19.5€ million was predominantly funded through Cohesion Policy. Spain------------------ STOP 7: Meeting with government officials (28 April) Commissioner Serafin’s visit to Spain began in the heart of Madrid, where he started the day with a meeting with María Jesús Montero, the First Vice-President of the Government of Spain and Minister for Treasury, to discuss the future MFF proposal. Following this, Commissioner Serafin held an exchange with José Manuel Albares, Minister of Foreign Affairs, EU and Cooperation, to reinforce collaboration on the European Union’s broader priorities.The Ministers expressed Spain’s readiness to engage constructively in EU budget discussions, stressing the importance of flexibility for Member States. They strongly supported Cohesion policy, the CAP, and regional involvement as an essential feature in both design and implementation of EU funds. Spain favours maintaining the Cohesion model and reducing administrative burden. They raised concerns over a single envelope approach, the link between reforms and investments, and allocation complexities. Southern border pressures and partnerships with African countries were also highlighted as areas to support. Discussions covered new own resources and the Competitiveness Fund, pointing to the need to carefully consider Small and Medium Entreprises (SMEs) in its design. STOP 8: Meeting with the Spanish Parliament In the afternoon, Commissioner Serafin visited the Spanish Parliament for meetings with the President and spokespersons of the Joint Committee for the EU. Regarding the next MFF, Members of the Parliament agreed on the need to reduce bureaucracy and streamline the number of programmes. However, they expressed concern over the idea of a single national plan, recalling the limited impact of NGEU in their case. They emphasised that CAP and Cohesion remain essential for Spain and must be preserved. STOP 9: Visit an EU funded project at University of Castilla–La Mancha (29 April) The next day, on Tuesday 29 April, the Spanish tour continued at the University of Castilla–La Mancha (UCLM), in the campus of Toledo, a city located at the heart of the country. There, Commissioner made a stop at the historic former arms factory (“Fábrica de Armas”), where he saw how EU funds are financing three rehabilitation projects. The first one is the Institute of Applied Research for Aerospace Industry (INAIA), which received 2.17€ million through the ERDF. Inaugurated in 2023, INAIA is a state-of-the-art center focused on applied research in the aerospace sector. As part of UCLM, it promotes innovation, technology transfer, and collaboration with the aerospace industry. The second one, is the School of Architecture, which was financed by the ERDF with 3.6€ million. It is a historic industrial building which is being fully renovated to house UCLM’s new School of Architecture. The project combines heritage preservation with modern academic needs, including full restoration of roofs, labs equipped with advanced technology, energy efficiency, and accessibility. Finally, the third project is Nave 30, funded by REACT EU with 3.7 million. It is an investment in educational infrastructure and supplies to strengthen learning conditions and support academics at the university.Project representatives noted challenges in accessing EU funds, particularly for infrastructure in heritage buildings, where energy efficiency requirements can conflict with heritage laws. They stressed the need for clear eligibility criteria from the outset to meet implementation timelines and flagged added complexities in the RRF due to extra requirements. Regional authorities reported positive experiences with STEP. They stressed that regions facing depopulation need directing investments towards education and healthcare, rather than diverting them to other priorities.Institute of Applied Research for the Aeronautical Industry STOP 10: Meeting with European and local representatives The final stop of the Commissioner was a meeting with Members of the European Parliament Borja Giménez Larraz and Nikolina Brnjac, as well as Isabel Martín Retortillo, Director General for EU Funds in the Spanish region of Aragón. The MEPs explained that the European Parliament was working on a report on affordable housing. They highlighted the need to address not only homelessness and low-income households but also the middle class, which increasingly faces this challenge. They linked affordable housing to broader demographic concerns and stressed the need to balance environmental requirements with labour shortages, given that supply is the main issue. They underlined the role of the EU budget, the importance of blending it with EIB tools, and suggested creating a dedicated budget line. The Director-General of EU Funds of Aragón noted that the RRF lacks flexibility and that the specific needs of more developed yet depopulated regions, such as Aragón, should be taken into account.
At the end of April 2025, Commissioner Piotr Serafin visited Romania and Spain, where he met with government officials and beneficiaries of EU funding. The focus of the 5th leg of his Tour d’Europe was on social inclusion, job creation, and strengthening local communities.
Commissioner Serafin’s first meeting was with the Romanian ad interim-President, Ilie Bolojan. Siegfried Muresan, Member of the European Parliament, was also present.The President-interim talked about the RRF state of implementation in the country. He emphasised that simplification is needed to accelerate implementation of funds, but especially at the national level. He underlined the importance of the Commission’s support in applying more flexibility and avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach to investments. In addition, he confirmed Romania’s intention to use the SAFE loan facility, voiced support for EU enlargement, and called for an integrated approach to defence spending within the Union.
Following this, the Commissioner met with the Prime Minister, Marcel Ciolacu. Florin-Ionut Barbu, Minister of Agriculture, and Victor Negrescu, Member of the European Parliament, also took part in this meeting.The conversation covered several topics, including the role of Romania in NATO, the need for EU support to reduce regional disparities, and priorities for future EU funding instruments. Additional topics included defence investments, support for farmers, the new own resources basket, and EU-wide taxation harmonisation.
The meeting with Romania’s deputy Prime-Minister and Minister for Home Affairs came at a time where the Union finds itself facing increasing challenges related to security, border protection and migration management. As Romania is an external border country of the Union, talks with the country’s Minister for Home Affairs, Marcel Ciolacu, were crucial to strengthen Romania’s role in safeguarding the Union’s security as well as establishing a common budgetary stance on Europe’s defence and military mobility.Mr Predoiu noted the growing pressures at the border, and underlined Romania’s important contribution in supporting other Member States through the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). He observed that the current EU budget faces limitations in addressing emerging challenges, such as hybrid foreign interventions, and attacks on democratic institutions. He emphasised the importance of ensuring adequate resources for law enforcement, border management, and emergency services.
Meeting with Romanian stakeholders, such as businesses and investors’ associations, was a key part of Commissioner Serafin’s visit. These meetings allowed him to directly interact with people impacted by EU funding, like those involved in infrastructure projects, innovation grants, or small business support.Hearing firsthand from those who benefit from EU funding, helped the Commissioner understand the efficiency of the current funding instruments, thereby making sure that future ones are accessible, efficient, and fit for purpose. It also represented a chance to discuss Romania’s economic resilience and how to support the county’s industrial competitiveness and economic growth.Participants called for greater flexibility, simplification, faster procedures, and adequate funding for all priorities. Defence and agriculture were also topics of discussion.
Commissioner then travelled from Bucharest to Oradea, Romania’s most northwestern city. There, he had a working dinner with Marcel Bolos, the Minister of EU funds, Florin Birta, the Mayor of Oradea, and local and regional authorities. The meeting focused on the progress of regional programmes, funding flexibility, and administrative challenges. They discussed the impact of programme management structures, links between reforms and investments, and the use of simplified funding approaches. They also underlined the need for early preparation and clear frameworks to ensure timely implementation.
On the second day of his visit to Romania, Commissioner Serafin visited the city of Oradea, a great example of how EU funds can foster economic growth. First off, the Commissioner visited the County Hospital and the Oradea airport, two major infrastructure projects in Oradea, both benefiting from EU funding to enhance regional development.The Romanian leg of the tour finished with the visit of the Fortress of Oradea and Mobility Corridor, a significant historical landmark renowned for its well-preserved pentagonal architecture whose restoration of 19.5€ million was predominantly funded through Cohesion Policy.
Commissioner Serafin’s visit to Spain began in the heart of Madrid, where he started the day with a meeting with María Jesús Montero, the First Vice-President of the Government of Spain and Minister for Treasury, to discuss the future MFF proposal. Following this, Commissioner Serafin held an exchange with José Manuel Albares, Minister of Foreign Affairs, EU and Cooperation, to reinforce collaboration on the European Union’s broader priorities.The Ministers expressed Spain’s readiness to engage constructively in EU budget discussions, stressing the importance of flexibility for Member States. They strongly supported Cohesion policy, the CAP, and regional involvement as an essential feature in both design and implementation of EU funds. Spain favours maintaining the Cohesion model and reducing administrative burden. They raised concerns over a single envelope approach, the link between reforms and investments, and allocation complexities. Southern border pressures and partnerships with African countries were also highlighted as areas to support. Discussions covered new own resources and the Competitiveness Fund, pointing to the need to carefully consider Small and Medium Entreprises (SMEs) in its design.
In the afternoon, Commissioner Serafin visited the Spanish Parliament for meetings with the President and spokespersons of the Joint Committee for the EU. Regarding the next MFF, Members of the Parliament agreed on the need to reduce bureaucracy and streamline the number of programmes. However, they expressed concern over the idea of a single national plan, recalling the limited impact of NGEU in their case. They emphasised that CAP and Cohesion remain essential for Spain and must be preserved.
The next day, on Tuesday 29 April, the Spanish tour continued at the University of Castilla–La Mancha (UCLM), in the campus of Toledo, a city located at the heart of the country. There, Commissioner made a stop at the historic former arms factory (“Fábrica de Armas”), where he saw how EU funds are financing three rehabilitation projects. The first one is the Institute of Applied Research for Aerospace Industry (INAIA), which received 2.17€ million through the ERDF. Inaugurated in 2023, INAIA is a state-of-the-art center focused on applied research in the aerospace sector. As part of UCLM, it promotes innovation, technology transfer, and collaboration with the aerospace industry. The second one, is the School of Architecture, which was financed by the ERDF with 3.6€ million. It is a historic industrial building which is being fully renovated to house UCLM’s new School of Architecture. The project combines heritage preservation with modern academic needs, including full restoration of roofs, labs equipped with advanced technology, energy efficiency, and accessibility. Finally, the third project is Nave 30, funded by REACT EU with 3.7 million. It is an investment in educational infrastructure and supplies to strengthen learning conditions and support academics at the university.Project representatives noted challenges in accessing EU funds, particularly for infrastructure in heritage buildings, where energy efficiency requirements can conflict with heritage laws. They stressed the need for clear eligibility criteria from the outset to meet implementation timelines and flagged added complexities in the RRF due to extra requirements. Regional authorities reported positive experiences with STEP. They stressed that regions facing depopulation need directing investments towards education and healthcare, rather than diverting them to other priorities.Institute of Applied Research for the Aeronautical Industry
The final stop of the Commissioner was a meeting with Members of the European Parliament Borja Giménez Larraz and Nikolina Brnjac, as well as Isabel Martín Retortillo, Director General for EU Funds in the Spanish region of Aragón. The MEPs explained that the European Parliament was working on a report on affordable housing. They highlighted the need to address not only homelessness and low-income households but also the middle class, which increasingly faces this challenge. They linked affordable housing to broader demographic concerns and stressed the need to balance environmental requirements with labour shortages, given that supply is the main issue. They underlined the role of the EU budget, the importance of blending it with EIB tools, and suggested creating a dedicated budget line. The Director-General of EU Funds of Aragón noted that the RRF lacks flexibility and that the specific needs of more developed yet depopulated regions, such as Aragón, should be taken into account.
