"Climate change is one of our biggest challenges. This is why the EPP must take a leading role in countering its effects. We must do so in the EPP style – keeping freedom for people, but having a clear target, with the finer details to be worked out on the ground. We must prioritise climate, but farmers, municipalities and SMEs are overloaded with legislation meaning that realistic action on the ground to reduce carbon emissions is often made more difficult." Peter Liese, Member of the EPP Group in the European Parliament and EPP coordinator for the EP committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) made these remarks during a meeting of the EPP-CoR group.
Olgierd Geblewicz, President of West Pomerania Region (Poland) and President of the EPP-CoR Group said "The negative consequences of Brexit show the importance of remaining united and we must work hand in hand with the EPP Group in the European Parliament to mobilise citizens to vote in favour of a more united EU."
Michael Murphy, Councillor at Tipperary County Council (Ireland), welcomed the strengthening of relations within the EPP family, but expressed disappointment when it comes to the engagement of local and regional authorities (LRAs) with regards to the RRF. He stressed the need to ensure greater LRA involvement in the creation of future mechanisms of a similar nature.
Mark Speich, State Secretary for Federal, European and International Affairs and Media of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany), underlined the importance of interinstitutional cooperation. The CoR brings together regions that share common goals and greater synchronisation with work of the European Parliament would yield positive results, particularly in terms of climate policy.
Markku Markkula, President of Helsinki Region (Finland) said "We need to be ambitious and show the way on climate policy. Helsinki region has a clear target to be carbon neutral by 2030, which requires strong cooperation between LRAs and companies in the region.
Ellen Nauta-Van Moorsel, Mayor of Hof van Twente (Netherlands) spoke of the need for an ambitious EU source-based climate policy, which helps LRAs comply with regulations, in line with the polluter pays policy. She also warned that more time is needed to implement European air quality proposals.
Hanna Zdanowska, Mayor of Łódź (Poland) said that without the support of LRAs, it will be difficult to achieve carbon neutrality. "We treat the protection of climate and health as a priority. Local leaders have the best impact and contact with the environment – without EU funds, it will be hard to adjust to climate change and combat its effects. We must also involve the youth in this process as they understand the issues best and are most determined to take the necessary action."
Birgitta Sacredeus, Councillor in Dalarna Regional Council (Sweden) outlined the good cooperation in the area of public health during the pandemic through vaccine procurement and certificates as well as to strengthen the European Medicines Agency (EMA). "This shows the importance of good cooperation within the Union."