"The Conference on the Future of Europe is an opportunity to demonstrate the relevance of the regional level in governance. This revolves around two aspects: first by providing input for policies which are more citizen centered and second, providing more democratic legitimacy to the EU's structures. I think we as regional leaders can contribute to both aspects excellently. Because of the variety of competences that our regions have we can deliver ideas for policies which are both needs-based and comply with the realities of implementation." Olgierd Geblewicz, President of the EPP-CoR Group and President of West Pomerania Region made these remarks during a conference organised by the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) to discuss the place of regions in the European Union decision making in the context of the Conference on the Future of Europe'.
The event was opened by Apostolos Tzitzikostas, President of the CoR and Governor of the Region of Central Macedonia (Greece) said that the delegation of the CoR to the Conference on the Future of Europe aims to represent all of Europe's 1 million regionally and locally elected leaders, it's 300 regions and 90,000 municipalities. Speaking on how the CoR will play an active role in the process, Tzitzikostas said "We will continue to organise Local Dialogues in and with our regions, cities and villages. We must listen and engage with citizens on the future of our Union. We must create a new vision that unites us on climate and mobility." He added that every region, regardless of their power, has a crucial impact on the national and European level. "Our regional and local legal responsibilities and democratic mandate must be fully taken into account at European and national level."
José Manuel Bolieiro, President of the Autonomous Region Azores said that the principle of subsidiarity is clear. "Our European vocation and our commitment to the EU require that we are offered concrete and effective means of direct and indirect participation in the decision-making process."
Regions with legislative powers in EU decision-making
The first panel was moderated by Mark Speich, CIVEX Chair and Secretary of State for Federal, European and International Affairs in North Rhine-Westphalia. He said that for representatives of regions, the Conference on the Future of Europe offers the opportunity to reflect on the current structure of the EU. "Regions know better about the implementation of EU law than the national level. They are also closer to EU citizens and enterprises. Strengthening their position in the institutional structure of the EU could attribute to a better EU decision-making, and at the end to a better EU legislation."
Ilse Aigner, President of the Bavarian State Parliament said that citizens will support the European idea if they are more involved. She emphasised that in this context, regional parliaments, as the voice of the people, have a central role to play as legislators and as mediators of European policy.
Regions and intermediate authorities without legislative powers in EU decision-making
Speaking during a second panel debate on the role of Regions and intermediate authorities without legislative powers in EU decision-making, Alin-Adrian Nica, President of Timiş County Council said that the Conference on the Future of Europe is a historic chance for all European territories to build the democratic house we want to live in. "It is the chance for authorities and citizens to work together and rethink European policies to fit our children’s needs!"