EU Parliament pushes for stronger cohesion policy to secure right to stay in hometowns
The European Parliament adopted a resolution urging the EU Commission to embed a “right to stay” principle in the 2028-2034 budget, aiming to curb migration and boost local jobs.
On Tuesday, the European Parliament passed a resolution with 601 votes in favour, 20 against and 36 abstentions, urging the European Commission to prioritise a “right to stay” in the 2028-2034 multi-annual financial framework. The measure targets urban housing crises, climate-related resilience and the slowdown of outward migration by directing cohesion funds toward affordable homes, new jobs and upgraded transport, health and infrastructure services, especially in depopulating areas.
Lawmakers also demand easier, direct financial access for local authorities, cutting red tape and providing technical assistance to small and medium-sized towns. The text stresses that defence-related spending must not divert resources from regional development. Additionally, the Parliament highlights sustainable tourism and the renovation of vacant properties as part of the housing solution. The resolution w.
Why it matters
It could reshape EU funding to keep people living and working in their own regions, affecting migration and local economies.
How the sides frame it
MODERATE AGREEMENTLeft-leaning coverage highlights internal disagreements and worries that defence spending will crowd out regional cohesion funds, while right-leaning coverage frames the Parliament's move as a decisive push to protect the “right to stay” and warns against defence spending diverting resources.
LEFT
Focuses on split opinions, criticism of defence-budget shifts and concerns that regional authorities may lose control over funds
RIGHT
Presents the resolution as a strong, unified effort to secure affordable housing and the “right to stay,” stressing the need to keep defence spending from siphoning cohesion money
The left emphasises
- deep split over future cohesion funding and defence priorities
- fear regional authorities would lose control over local programme design
- citizens protesting soaring living costs in Brussels, Lisbon and Paris
The right emphasises
- 601 votes in favour, 20 against, 36 abstentions
- resolution urges a “right to stay” in the 2028-2034 budget
- defence-related spending must not divert resources from regional development
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