The new legislation simplifies the rules for member states using cohesion policy funds to address the migratory and investment challenges caused by the Russian aggression in Ukraine. It was approved with 592 votes, against 12 and 10 abstentions.

The EP’s Regional Development Committee fast-tracked the European Commission’s FAST-CARE (Flexible Assistance for Territories) proposal and referred it to the plenary without amendments, in order to speed up its approval. Plenary endorsed the text without changes. MEPs’ main concern is to make sure the aid is accessible to EU regions and member states as soon as possible.

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Following the vote, EP rapporteur Niklas Nienaß (Greens/EFA, DE) said: “In the face of Russian aggression, Europe has to respond fast and determinedly. With FAST-CARE, cohesion policy will help Ukrainian refugees and allow European cities, municipalities, and the EU economy to mitigate the direct and indirect consequences of this terrible war. Simultaneously,…