"Cities and regions are playing an active role to bring Europe closer to the people and to ensure that the work of the Union reflects the aspirations of citizens. We can only achieve this by working closely together." Olgierd Geblewicz, President of the EPP-CoR Group and President of Westpomerania Region made these remarks during an EPP-CoR Group meeting with the participation of Siegfried Mureşan and Jan Olbrycht.
Siegfried Mureşan, Vice Chair of the EPP Group in the European Parliament and Vice President of the EPP said "We will work together to support automotive regions to ensure that jobs are not lost in regions across Europe. At the same time, we want the work force to be qualified for new responsibilities in research, innovation and development." He also spoke on the need to engage cities and regions in the implementation of #REPowerEU.
Jan Olbrycht, MEP said "A revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework is necessary. Also, the 2023 EU budget shows the need for revision because there is not always enough money for issues related to migration, border protection, scientific research or energy issues.
Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Governor of the Region of Central Macedonia said "To bring Europe closer to the people, we need to show citizens that Europe has learnt from past mistakes, that it has become more democratic and open, something which local and regional elected representatives can bring as an added value."
Michael Murphy, Tipperary County Councillor said "SMEs are in the eye of a perfect storm following the impacts of BREXIT, COVID19, rising cost of living, and falling consumer sentiment and disposable income. Let's empower local authorities as we can deliver with precision in a timely and simple manner to help SMEs."
Emil Boc, Mayor of Cluj-Napoca said "We must avoid fragmentation of Cohesion Policy. We must extend collaboration between the EPP-CoR and the EPP-EP Groups to make the voice of cities and regions stronger. Working together is about taking care of people. We are on the same boat."
Mark Speich, Secretary of State for Federal, European and International Affairs and Media (North Rhine-Westphalia) said that the Conference on the Future of Europe is a good example of how through good cooperation we can achieve important results, such as ensuring that the territorial dimension is taken into account and urged for this to continue in the follow up process.
Markku Markkula, President of the Helsinki Region said "We must encourage bottom-up activities to better integrate EU policies. We need to find concrete new solutions, societal innovations and take action rather than wait for the next steps."
Sari Rautio, the CoR Rapporteur on the 'Just and Sustainable Transition' and Chair of board, Häme health care district said "For the twin transition to be successful we need to engage local and regional authorities as they are making the change happen. If we lose rule of law, we lose the idea of the EU."
Radim Sršeň, Mayor of the Municipality of Dolní Studénky and Deputy Minister of Regional Development, Czech Republic said "Let's not forget rural areas which are the most vulnerable with the energy crisis and digitalization. Europe starts in rural areas and therefore they must remain at the centre EU policies."