The ENVE Commission of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) met today in Łódź at the invitation of Hanna Zdanowska (PL/EPP), Mayor of Łódź. The external meeting focused on two key debates: the Action Plan for Affordable Energy and Turning the Tide – A Local and Regional Roadmap for Water Resilience.
Opening the meeting, Hanna Zdanowska stressed the urgency of strengthening Europe’s energy systems: “Energy systems in the Union are still not ready to meet today’s challenges, as the recent blackout in Portugal, Spain, and France has shown. Local and regional authorities are always on the front line – responsible for protecting infrastructure, modernising networks, and helping citizens, businesses, and vulnerable consumers.”
Turning the Tide – Water Resilience
Members held an exchange of views on the opinion Turning the Tide – A Local and Regional Roadmap for Water Resilience, led by Kata Tüttő (HU/PES) and Juan Manuel Moreno (ES/EPP)
Mirjam Sterk (NL/EPP), Regional Minister of Utrecht, speaking on behalf of Andalusia, underlined that “Water resilience must become a strategic EU objective, on par with decarbonisation and climate adaptation. Regions need the tools, funding, and flexibility to protect water resources, ensure affordability, and build a water-smart economy for all.” She added: “Europe’s future depends on its water. Clean and affordable water, restored water cycles, and resilient governance must be at the heart of the EU strategy. Regions are ready to lead, but they need direct support and simplified funding.”
Borboly Csaba (RO/EPP), Vice-President of Harghita County Council, stressed the mountain perspective: “Water resilience in mountain areas is crucial for Europe’s climate and water security. Our mountains, as guardians of biodiversity and water resources, are facing growing threats from water scarcity, which endanger agriculture, ecosystems, and livelihoods. Europe must prioritise sustainable, nature-friendly solutions and ensure that mountain regions are not left behind in the next EU budget.”
Ans Mol (NL/EPP), Regional Minister of Gelderland, called for cross-border solidarity: “Water does not stop at borders—and neither do the problems that threaten it. Pollution, dams, and upstream water management decisions directly affect our regions downstream. This is why Dutch provinces call for a strong source-to-sea approach in the EU Water Resilience Strategy. Water challenges are cross-border by nature, and so must be our solutions. This is a unique opportunity for Europe to combine innovation, fairness, and cooperation to safeguard clean and affordable water for all our citizens.”
Adrian Ariel Zittelli Ferrari (ES/EPP), Director-General for European Union Affairs for the Region of Murcia underlined the strategic nature of water for Europe’s regions: “Water is not only a resource—it is a strategic foundation for our regions. We must move toward a water policy that is just, innovative, and realistic. That means linking agriculture, industry, and the environment through sustainable, nature-friendly solutions, while ensuring that European funding frameworks reflect the real costs and benefits for local governments. Above all, water policy must be cross-border, based on solidarity, and supported by European instruments that allow experimentation and innovation.”
Together, these interventions echoed Andalusia’s call for flexible, territorially adapted water solutions, stressing that resilience must be treated as a strategic EU priority alongside climate adaptation and decarbonisation.
Appointment of Rafał Trzaskowski
The ENVE Commission also appointed Rafał Trzaskowski (PL/EPP), Mayor of Warsaw, as rapporteur for the opinion on Mainstreaming climate, energy and environmental priorities across the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
The opinion will ensure that the EU’s next long-term budget fully supports the green transition and empowers local and regional authorities to deliver Europe’s climate, energy, and environmental goals
Next steps
The opinion on Turning the Tide will be adopted in December 2025 and presented at CoR Plenary in early 2026. The MFF opinion will be developed in the coming months, providing a strong regional and local voice in Europe’s budget for the green transition.