Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, Mayor of Gdańsk, Rafał Trzaskowski, Mayor of Warsaw, and Sari Rautio, President of the EPP Group in the European Committee of the Regions (EPP-CoR), joined MEPs, EU Commissioners, and academics in Gdańsk for the study days organised by the EPP Group in the European Parliament.
Discussions focused on two central themes: democracy in Europe and security, underlining the importance of safeguarding democratic values and strengthening resilience in the face of global challenges. The main message from EPP-CoR members was the need for partnership at all levels of government in a rapidly changing world.
Sari Rautio, who serves as the CoR’s rapporteur on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), took part in a high-level debate on shaping Europe’s future and the role of the EU budget. The EPP-CoR stressed that cities and regions must be engaged in achieving common EU goals. Therefore, the next MFF must also provide resources for the local level, not only for national envelopes. As Rautio emphasised, “This is not about money; it is about democracy and common values.”
She also highlighted the risks of weakening Cohesion Policy, referencing a paper by Professor Andrés Rodríguez-Pose entitled Strengthening the Local Heart of Europe. The study warns that while reform is needed, dismantling or diminishing Cohesion Policy would sideline local voices, deepen divisions, and undermine the very foundations of the European project.
Rautio reaffirmed that Cohesion Policy must remain a distinct, well-funded, and locally anchored priority to ensure Europe’s unity, prosperity, and democratic legitimacy.