"The EPP-CoR Group welcomes the adoption of the EPP manifesto ahead of the European Elections which includes a strong local and regional dimension thanks to the input of EPP local and regional elected representatives from across Europe. This manifesto offers people the choice to choose candidates who will thrive for a Europe which closer to citizens and where EU laws and policies are shaped taking into account the different realties in villages, cities and region." Olgierd Geblewicz President of the EPP-CoR Group and President of West Pomerania made these remarks in Bucharest shortly after the EPP adopted its manifesto during the Congress taking place in Bucharest.
EU legislation and EU budget fit for the realities and needs on the ground
The manifesto includes a commitment to conduct territorial impact assessments of all new EU legislation - giving a stronger role to local and regional politicians when laws and policies concerning their village, city or region are decided at EU level - thus ensuring more efficiency and EU added value. EU budget and cohesion policy will address the needs of cities and regions through simplified rules and the direct involvement of local and regional authorities in the design and implementation of programmes.
Local conditions at the core of the energy transition
The EPP-CoR group secured higher consideration of the needs of cities and regions when preparing environment, energy and climate strategies and their funding. The EPP has committed to better align the energy transition with local conditions to take into account local needs and constraints as well as opportunities. Giving a tangible example President Geblewicz said "My Region is quite windy and we have used this condition to generate energy through wind. Today my region is the largest producer of wind energy in Poland ensuring cheaper and cleaner energy for the people. We want to repeat this success story elsewhere in Europe."
No region left behind
The manifesto also ensures that no region is left behind promising the development of the new Tran-European Transport network, a European plan for rural areas, improving rural-urban synergies in public services, strengthening of the EU strategy for outermost regions, stop the drain of health professionals from European regions in particular rural areas to reduce health inequalities, and the setting up a 'brain gain' action plan ensuring innovation capacities, as well as research and business support are available in rural and remote areas whilst boosting living standards in every region.
Boosting local economy through SMEs
The EPP-CoR believes that Europe's economic heart lies in SMEs. This is why the EPP will promote sustainable companies especially SMEs and reduce regulatory burden through a specially dedicated European Commissioner for SMEs with responsibilities to cut red tape.
Europe starts in my village, my city, my region
Europe is more than an economic project rooted in cultural richness and diverse local traditions. The EPP is thus committed to preserve Europe's democracy, values, traditions and cultural diversity through a European Cultural Heritage Fund.
The EPP is the party of regions and mayors, the party closest to the people
The EPP is the largest political force in Europe. Not only is the EPP the most represented in the European Council, European Parliament and the European Commission but it is also largely represented on the ground at the local and regional level more than any other party in Europe. All EPP levels of government are committed to work together bottom-up to make citizens expectations a realty delivering concrete projects that will not only show the EU added value but also bring Europe closer to its citizens.