The Opening Session of the 2024 European Week of Regions and Cities kicked off today, bringing attention to the pivotal role that regions and cities play in shaping the European Union’s future. Key speakers, outlined the need for stronger local governance, increased youth participation, and sustained regional investment.
Youth Engagement in Local Politics
Nicola E. Larsen, a young elected politician from Denmark, highlighted the rise of young people being elected to municipalities and regional governments, reflecting a growing movement to ensure the voices of younger generations are heard at all levels of governance. “In Denmark, more and more young people are being elected to local and regional offices, showing that we are not just preparing for the future – we are actively shaping the present,” Larsen said. She added “the future of Europe depends on the youth – not just because they are the next generation, but because they are already shaping the present.” This sentiment was echoed by participants from various regions, where young leaders are increasingly stepping up to take on key roles in local governance.
Cohesion Policy at the Heart of the EU’s Regional Development
Amidst calls for stronger regional autonomy, participants reiterated the importance of cohesion policies in ensuring balanced development across the EU. Olgierd Geblewicz, President of the EPP_CoR group underscored the need to resist any attempts to centralize or nationalize Cohesion Policy programmes. “The success of the EU depends on ensuring that all regions are prosperous, as the Draghi report suggests, and that all citizens have equal rights to benefits and opportunities,” Geblewicz said.
Emil Boc, Mayor of Cluj added that “the future Cohesion Policy must uphold its ‘golden principles’ of shared management and partnership with regions and cities. Moving towards ‘one plan’ per Member State must not lead to less involvement from local and regional authorities.”
Participatory Democracy and Education
Sari Rautio from Hämeenlinna City Council presented Finland’s approach to ensuring participatory democracy is a part of education from a young age. “In Finland, we have been working to include participatory democracy in education, ensuring that no child is left behind and that they learn how to actively engage in society,” Rautio stated.
Rautio also spoke on the importance of raising awareness about EU-funded projects and their tangible benefits. Sharing progress on these projects ensures citizens see firsthand how EU investment is improving infrastructure, tackling climate challenges, and enhancing quality of life across Europe. “Raising awareness of these benefits is crucial to ensure more people see the positive changes happening in their communities,” added Rautio.
Theresa Neumann, a young elected politician said "We need to bring European political issues closer to young people to make Europe and the advantages of the EU more visible." In this regard she called for the strengthening of school s exchanges and twinning programmes. Neumann also stressed the need to engage youths in decision making in regions and cities but also at EU level.
About the European Week of Regions and Cities
The European Week of Regions and Cities is an annual event that brings together policymakers, experts, and stakeholders from across Europe to discuss regional and local development issues. It is an opportunity to share best practices and explore how EU policies are implemented at the grassroots level.
