The need to strengthen the role of Local and Regional Authorities (LRAs) in European democracy, the engagement of LRAs as experienced bodies in the preparation of National, Recovery and Resilience Plans (NRRP) as well as the need to support important economic sectors for villages, cities and regions such as tourism through travel protocols were the main points raised by EPP-CoR members during a Debate on the pandemic, recovery and European democracy" with Charles Michel, President of the European Council during the 143rd Plenary session.
Charles Michel, said that LRAs have been on the front line taking care of health care and local infrastructure in an extremely difficult time. LRAs have been very active and took concrete action playing an important role to tackle the pandemic. Michel added LRAs are key to reach people especially the younger generation. He lauded the organisation of local dialogues saying that messages have to come from the ground through LRAs.
Apostolos Tzitzikostas, CoR President said that the Conference on the Future of Europe has to be about building a better and more open, resilient and more effective Europe. He spoke on the European House of Democracy in which the EU is the roof, Member States the walls, while regions, cities are villages are the foundations. He appealed for LRAs to play an active role to restart the effort to bring Europe closer to its citizens.
Olgierd Geblewicz, EPP-CoR President and President of West Pomerania Region spoke of a democratic model for Europe in which citizens would feel represented in Brussels by European, national but also regional and local elected politicians. He said "I believe that the economic recovery from the pandemic will need to be matched by a democratic recovery. We, regional and local leaders are well placed and ready to initiate that democratic recovery." In this regard, Geblewicz said that villages, cities and regions are ready to share their experience of participatory democratic models during the Conference on the Future of Europe. On the recovery process, Geblewicz said that LRAs should be engaged in the process of shaping NRRPs and throughout their implementation.
Mark Speich, Secretary of State for Federal, European and International Affairs for the Land of North Rhine-Westphalia and CIVEX chair said “We need a fundamental strengthening of the regions' position in the procedures and structures of the EU. Therefore, the Conference on the Future of Europe is a great opportunity for us. We know that our aim is not appreciated by everyone, especially the heads of State and government will be reluctant. The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, can support us in this. That is why I have asked him to use his influence so that we can start to pave the way for stronger regions in the future European Union.”
Nikola Dobroslavić, President of Dubrovnik-Neretva spoke about the impact of the pandemic on the tourism industry and key actions needed to support this sector. "We are witnessing a devastating impact of the pandemic on the economy, especially on tourism, an extremely important economic sector in my region. We need rapid and comprehensive vaccination to take place. We need supply and fair distribution of vaccines as well as an agreement on travel protocols, including certificates of vaccination or a negative test.
Rastislav Trnka, Chairman of Košice Self – Governing Region said that regions and cities are playing an important role in the vaccination strategy. He said that regions have set up a number of large vaccination centres to support this process. "The past months have shown that we LRAs have the capacity. I believe that it is high time for an agreement on the introduction of real multilevel governance. I believe that the President of the European Council can reach a consensus between Heads of State and Government so that regions and cities also have a greater role to play in shaping health policies."
