The pandemic has shown us the importance of the digital transition and to an extent speeded up this process. Various challenges still exist across villages, cities and regions which European policies need to address.

In this regard, the EPP Group in the European Committee of the Regions will be holding a fully online event as part of the European Week of Regions and Cities on Tuesday, 12 October 2021 between 11.30 a.m. and 1 p.m. The aim is to discuss the Digital Transition and the role digitalisation can play to ensure economic recovery through resilient cities and regions.

Moderator: Deirdre Forde, Councillor Cork City Council

11.45 Cities and regions in the digital age
Delivering on education and innovation to shape the future of European communities
Olgierd Geblewicz, President EPP-CoR Group, President of West Pomerania Region
Mariya Gabriel, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth
Peter Geršak, State Secretary, Office of the Government of Slovenia for Digital Transformation
Q&A session
Emil Boc, Mayor of Cluj-Napoca (video message)
Romy Karier, CoR Rapporteur on ‘Youth Employment Support: a Bridge to Jobs for the Next Generation’, Member of Clervaux municipal council (video message)
Q&A session

12.15 Tackling the digital divide for Europe’s recovery
Local and regional authorities for a competitive and resilient Europe
Markku Markkula, Chair of the Espoo City Board and President of the Helsinki Region
Radim Sršeň, Mayor of the Municipality of Dolní Studénky (video message)
Hanna Zdanowska, Mayor of the City of Łódź (video message)
Eva Maydell, MEP
Q&A session

12.45 Concluding remarks

Interpretation: EN PL FR DE

#EPPLocalDialogue #EURegionsWeek

Please register here.