Local and Regional elected representatives outline the need of multilevel governance, embracing a territorial dimension in EU policies and constant dialogue with citizens
"Our expectations for this Conference are nothing less than revamping the EU, so that it works with the people and for the people. This work starts in our villages, cities and regions." Olgierd Geblewicz, President of the EPP-CoR Group made these remarks during the inaugural meeting of the Plenary of the Conference on the Future of Europe.
Geblewicz, who is President of West Pomerania Region and President of the Association of Regions in Poland advocated for a stronger role of politicians with a democratic mandate since they are close to citizens and for permanent channels to facilitate participation of citizens. Speaking on the importance of the territorial dimension in EU legislation Geblewicz said "We need less legislative burden and more regional and local participation in the design of new European legislation and the improvement of existing one. Regional and local authorities need to be in the center of this important work."
Apostolos Tzitzikostas, President of the CoR emphasised the need to bring Europe closer to its citizens and make everyone understand that Brussels is not far saying that on the contrary Europe is everywhere, in every village, city and region. Tzitzikostas, who is Governor of the Region of Central Macedonia, Greece concluded his intervention by stating "The European Committee of the Regions is here to help this process and bring added value on the ground in every region and every city through our political work, through local dialogues and through the alliances we have created all across Europe. I am positive that together we can make this conference a success."
With the Conference on the Future of Europe the EPP-CoR Group wants to strengthen democracy in two strategic ways. First, by asking people to provide Europe with their direct opinion and ideas about the real priorities for Europe directly in the regions, cities, towns and villages where they live. Second, by empowering their local and regional elected representatives in the EU decision making process. As a result, the EPP-CoR expects that subsidiarity, citizens' engagement and 3-dimensional governance should finally become the modus operandi for the EU.
In their reaction, the other members of the EPP-CoR delegation to the Conference on the Future of Europe outlined the opportunity for the conference to bounce back from the pandemic, to strengthen European values, renew democracy through multi-level governance, make the European way of life a reality and address challenges such as climate change and demographic change.
Jelena Drenjanin, 1st Vice-President of the EPP-CoR Group and Vice-Mayor of Huddinge, Sweden said "This pandemic has dragged us all back with difficulties. This conference is like an arrow, just about to be shot, and its destination is the will to have a strong, stable and flourishing Europe. The dialogues between and with citizens will make our political goals relevant to our citizens, societies and companies. So these are the united steps to something great and new."
Isabel Díaz Ayuso, President of Madrid Region, Spain emphasized the need to strengthen European values. “The European Union was born out of the desire to live in peace after the wars that ravaged Europe in the 20th century; it was born out of the longing for freedom of those who suffered from totalitarianism, and it has been consolidated by prosperity and development brought about by economic integration and freedom. The Conference on the Future of Europe is a great opportunity to strengthen these values, the true hallmarks of the European project: peace, freedom and prosperity”
Ilse Aigner, President of the Bavarian State Parliament and CoR delegate on behalf of the Regional Parliaments of Germany said "'Regional parliaments are important mediators of the European idea in dialogue with citizens on the ground. They play a central role in the multi-level governance system of the European Union. As a representative of the German regional parliaments I would like to advocate for a stronger say of regional parliaments in the Conference on the future of Europe. We can build a sustainable and future-proof Europe only if we strengthen the democratic structures and involve the citizens through the regional parliaments as representatives of the people.''
Emil Boc, Mayor of Cluj-Napoca and former Prime Minister of Romania said "The Conference on the Future of Europe creates the opportunity to take the European Dream to the next level: that level where every citizen of the EU should think, act and be proud of its triple identity, local, national and European. The European way of life must be a full reality in every corner of the European Union".
Franck Proust, President of Nîmes Métropole and EPP Vice President said "The Conference on the Future of Europe aims to be democratic, placing dialogue with citizens at its heart and to bring people closer to European issues including climate change, environmental, democratic, digital as well as demographic issues. Europe is unique with strong values and must be a forerunner in various fields, working closely with its partners, particularly Africa which intends to reinvent itself. This conference must allow us to redefine certain priorities in order to create a stronger Europe and face our challenges."
Ellen Nauta-Van Moorsel, Mayor of Hof van Twente and President of the Dutch delegation in the CoR said “The Future of Europe begins in the communities of Europe. It starts with our citizens. We must not waste the unique opportunity the Conference presents for citizens' participation. The Conference will address the things we want to change and improve in a Europe recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. The EU must work with and for our citizens in order to face all future challenges.”
The EPP-CoR delegation to the Conference on the Future of Europe also includes Mark Speich, Chair of the CoR’s CIVEX Commission and Secretary of State North Rhine Westphalia Region, Germany.
Work of the EPP-CoR Delegation to the Conference on the Future of Europe
The EPP-CoR delegation will take part in debates, working groups and committees of the Conference Plenary. Furthermore, it will provide written contributions with support of the High Level Group on European Democracy. The delegation will build alliances of like-minded delegates in the Conference to jointly promote recommendations that are of relevance for territories. To strengthen its contribution to the Conference on the Future of Europe, the EPP-CoR is organizing a series of EPP Local Dialogues with local and regional elected representatives in villages, cities, towns and regions across Europe. Members interested to organize a local dialogue can get in touch with the communications team. EPP-CoR members will present their final contribution to the Conference through the CoR at the 9th European Summit of Regions and Cities, to be held during the French Presidency of the Council on 3/4 March 2022.