Regions and cities committed to RRF, Green Deal and Conference on the Future of Europe
EPP-CoR members discussed the Priorities of the Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the EU with Janez Janša, Prime Minister of Slovenia.
"My political family and I are extremely happy that Slovenia, has placed the right priorities on the top of the European agenda in these challenging times: the resilient recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, the acceleration of the green and digital transition, the reflection on the future of our Union and enlargement to Western Balkans, to name just a few." stated Olgierd Geblewicz, President of the EPP-CoR Group and President of the Westpomerania Region.
Addressing the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) plenary, Geblewicz said "The cooperation between the Slovenian Presidency and the CoR is exceptional. It is also thanks to the strong support from your Presidency that we – as the CoR – were able to increase our representation in the plenary of the Conference on the Future of Europe to a level that better reflects our role."
In his reaction, Janez Janša said that "In Slovenia, we have seen that cooperation with local and regional authorities can be very fruitful when planning our economic recovery. Including local and regional authorities in the Conference on the Future of Europe, RRF and national plans is important. My country has registered positive results after the pandemic and all this due to the good cooperation with the local authorities. They had excellent results in primary health care, research and the implementation of European Green Deal. We must ensure a systemic inclusion of local and regional authorities in all these projects if we want them to be a success."
Regarding the Conference on the Future of Europe, The Slovenian Prime minister said "When planning the discussion on the Conference of the Future of Europe it became clear that only through cities and regions we could bring Europe closer to its citizens. Local and regional authorities are very aware of the practical difficulties on the ground."
Apostolos Tzitzikostas, President of the CoR and Governor of Central Macedonia (Greece) spoke on the need to engage more with citizens and the role local and regional elected politicians can play. Giving an example on health he said: "A European Health Union conceived between Brussels and 27 capital cities would never work, and we would never support it, because local and regional authorities have health competences all across the Union."
Emil Boc, Mayor of Cluj-Napoca, highlighted the need to attain common goals through partnerships. "Only by working together in partnership, we can lift up our economies from the crisis, create more and new jobs and strengthen our common European values." Addressing the Prime Minister, he said: "It is not just your presence here today that proves your willingness to work together with regional and local elected leaders. We also know the reality: subsidiarity, empowerment of local communities and leaders as well as listening to the voice of the citizens are guiding principles for your government's actions as well as values that determine your political pathway. You are a true inspiration to all of us!"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSZmKRBtH0c