EPP-CoR members underlined the essential role of local and regional authorities in defending European values, strengthening democracy and bringing Europe closer to citizens during a group meeting with EPP Secretary General Dolors Montserrat. The exchange of views focused on the future of cohesion policy and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), affordable housing, the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), democratic resilience and the importance of empowering regions and cities in shaping European policies.
Opening the discussion, Dolors Montserrat, Secretary General of the European People’s Party (EPP), stressed that regional presidents play a crucial role in spreading EPP values, principles and initiatives across Europe. Montserrat emphasised that EPP-CoR members are vital in connecting the European level with citizens, translating European policies into concrete action at local and regional level.
On the future EU budget, Montserrat argued that the Multiannual Financial Framework must not remain solely in the hands of Member States and that regions should have a stronger role in shaping and managing European funds. She stressed that cohesion policy and the Common Agricultural Policy are “untouchable”, warning against any fragmentation or dilution of these policies.
“The EPP believes in the transformative power of the local and regional level and we must fulfil our mandate that our citizens have given us. We must not let them down,” Montserrat said.
Noel Formosa, Mayor of San Lawrenz (Gozo), highlighted the importance of human dignity as a defining EPP value and its relevance for local and regional politicians. “Human dignity is one of the values that makes the EPP different from other political families. For local and regional authorities, this is especially important because we are the politicians closest to citizens and their daily lives. We are proud to serve our communities through the EPP Group and honoured to belong to a family guided by responsibility, respect and dignity. These values continue to inspire us and move us forward as politicians,” he said.
Olgierd Geblewicz, President of the West Pomerania Regions stressed that the future EU budget is vital for regions and called for stronger guarantees for regions in the management of European funds. “The next European budget is not only a financial exercise. Cities and regions must have guaranteed rights and a real role in shaping and managing European funds. In Poland, we have secured a strong guarantee for regional envelopes, with 40% dedicated to the regions. But at European level, we must ensure that cohesion policy is truly protected. CAP and cohesion are both essential, but one must not be allowed to consume the other,” he said.
Brigitta Pallauf, President of the State Parliament of Salzburg and member of the EPP-CoR Bureau, stressed that Europe must deliver practical solutions through local and regional authorities rather than increasing centralisation. “People do not experience Europe in the abstract. They experience it in their homes, municipalities, cities and regions. That is where Europe must be felt as a solution, not as a burden of ever more rules and requirements. We need less top-down decision-making and more bottom-up responsibility, fewer prescriptions and more room for regions and cities to act. Housing, quality of life and regional development cannot be solved through centralisation. The EPP stands for preserving Europe’s diversity and giving more trust, responsibility and freedom back to the people and authorities closest to citizens,” she said.
Markku Markkula, former President of the European Committee of the Regions and member of Espoo City Council, highlighted the importance of continuity and ambition in European policies, particularly regarding EU missions. “In these turbulent times, Europe must show that it is moving forward with purpose, continuity and results. EU missions should not lose momentum — they must be strengthened, upgraded and supported until 2030, because cities and regions are already delivering real impact on the ground,” he said.
Jesús Ángel Garrido Martínez, Director General for Funds and Relations with the European Union in the Government of La Rioja, underlined the role of Spain’s autonomous communities in delivering cohesion policy on the ground. “Spain is celebrating 40 years of membership in the European Union, and La Rioja is also marking 30 years of representation in Brussels. Over these decades, Spain’s autonomous communities have shown their essential role in managing structural funds and delivering European cohesion on the ground. As we discuss the next Multiannual Financial Framework, regions with competences must be fully involved in shaping and implementing cohesion policy. We ask for the strongest commitment from the European People’s Party to defend national and regional interests, and to ensure that cohesion policy continues to reflect the knowledge, responsibility and experience of Europe’s regions,” he said.
“People see Europe through concrete projects in their regions and communities. That is why shifting decision-making from regions to national governments is a serious concern. Europe must remain close to citizens, and we must continue investing in young people, talent and future leadership across all countries,” added Friso Douwstra, Regional Minister of the Province Friesland.
Jorge Antonio Azcón Navarro, President of the Autonomous Community of Aragón, warned that Europe must deliver on the policies that matter most to citizens if it wants to counter the rise of populism. “Europe must invest in energy, security, defence and competitiveness, but if we fail on cohesion, agriculture and housing, we will fuel populism. Cities and regions know what is at stake. Without policies that respond to people’s real needs, populism will continue to grow,” he said.
Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, Mayor of Gdańsk, stressed that political energy must be matched by concrete delivery for citizens. “Energy and political commitment are essential, but we also need concrete results. As local and regional representatives, we are closest to citizens and voters. That means we must be able to show that the EPP is not only a strong political family, but a governing family that delivers real solutions for people,” she said.
Nikola Dobroslavić, member of the Regional Assembly of Dubrovnik-Neretva County, called for continued support for the European perspective of the Western Balkans. “The Western Balkans deserve strong support on their European path. While there is clear commitment to EU membership in the region, we must also address citizens’ scepticism and ensure that political actors fully embrace European values, standards and responsibilities. The EPP has an important role to play in supporting partners who are genuinely committed to Europe,” he said.
Sari Rautio, President of the EPP-CoR, underlined that local and regional representatives must continue playing a central role in the EPP’s political work and communication efforts. Rautio also stressed the commitment of EPP-CoR members to contribute actively to the wider political work of the EPP. “Our members are also very enthusiastic about contributing to the Party’s Working Groups, bringing their territorial experience and political expertise to the wider EPP debate. In the same spirit, we find it extremely stimulating to take part in high-level EPP meetings, always seeking to translate the discussion to the level closest to citizens,” she added.