Following President von der Leyen’s State of the Union address, EPP-CoR members highlighted the essential role of regions and cities in making Europe’s ambitions a reality. Their reactions show how local and regional leaders are indispensable partners in responding to the challenges outlined in the speech.
Arnoldas ABRAMAVIČIUS, Councillor of Zarasai District Municipality (Lithuania): “Regional and local leaders are often the first to confront disinformation and populism. We welcome the European Democracy Shield and the new Centre for Democratic Resilience and stand ready to contribute to the success of both initiatives.”
Karin MÜLLER, State Secretary for European and International Affairs and De-bureaucratisation, State of Hesse (Germany): “Better management of migration and functioning return procedures for those residing illegally in the EU are urgently needed. The rules on return need to be simpler and faster, considering the capacities of regional and local authorities – financial, infrastructural and human.”
Ivan ŽAGAR, Mayor of Slovenska Bistrica (Slovenia): “The EPP-CoR group believes that competitiveness and cohesion go hand in hand. The next long-term EU budget must provide legal guarantees for LRAs placing them as strategic partners. We must adhere to the principle that decisions are taken as closely as possible to the citizen. Centrally managed funding and the emphasis on large projects reduces opportunities to focus on implementing area-based solutions, undermines the commitment of cities, towns and regions to a common European goal and reduces public trust.”
Pehr GRANFALK, Councillor of Solna Municipality (Sweden), ECON Coordinator, EPP-CoR: “SMEs are the backbone of Europe’s economy. They need simpler access to finance, simpler procurement rules, and protection from trade wars. Key industries from cars to chemicals, steel to agriculture are not abstract sectors but the lifeblood of EU.”
Alberto CIRIO, President of Piedmont Region (Italy), ECON Chair, EPP-CoR: “We agree that ‘a European AI is essential for our future independence’. We reiterate our call to support local and regional authorities in reskilling staff to reduce bureaucracy to citizens and SMEs. We need to ensure energy independence as well as access to raw materials to be truly independent on AI. The best practices of European Digital Innovation Hubs could be scaled up. We welcome the work forthcoming on AI Gigafactories and I look forward to finalising the CoR position on the AI Continent Action Plan. The CoR asks the Commission to establish a dedicated Artificial Intelligence investment fund for regional and local authorities, with the aim of facilitating and support the establishment of AI gigafactories and microchip manufacturers in the EU”
Hanna ZDANOWSKA, Mayor of Łódź (Poland): “We support the call for clean, locally produced energy and for urgent investment in infrastructure and interconnectors. Local renewables, nuclear energy, resilient grids, and community energy models must be prioritised to secure an affordable, competitive, and sustainable Energy Union by 2030.”
Kostas BAKOYANNIS, Chair of ENVE Commission (Greece): “With 70% of mitigation and 90% of adaptation measures implemented locally, LRAs must be central to EU climate and energy policy, with direct access to funding.”
Thibaut GUIGNARD, Mayor of Plœuc-l’Hermitage (France): “We welcome initiatives like the European firefighting hub, but resilience requires LRAs at the centre of prevention, preparedness, and response.”
Piotr CAŁBECKI, President of Kuyavian-Pomeranian Region (Poland): “Farmers remain indispensable for Europe’s food security, yet questions persist on CAP funding and the future of agriculture. Regional and local authorities must be partners: cutting red tape, steering fair competition, mobilising co-funding, and supporting sustainable practices.”
Fernando LÓPEZ MIRAS, President of Murcia Region (Spain), Vice-President EPP-CoR: “Europe must stand united and resolute. By building a strong and credible European defence—anchored in solidarity, readiness, and cutting-edge capabilities—we ensure that every inch of our territory is protected, our values safeguarded, and our citizens secure in an uncertain world.”
Friso DOUWSTRA, Regional Minister of Friesland Province (Netherlands), SEDEC Coordinator, EPP-CoR: “Housing must be recognised as a true European Pillar of Social Rights—rooted in solidarity and shared responsibility. Only by embracing this collective sense of ownership can we ensure affordable, sustainable, and high-quality homes for all, making housing a cornerstone of a fair and inclusive Europe.”
Emil BOC, Mayor of Cluj-Napoca (Romania): “Europe’s Quality Jobs Act will only succeed if regions and cities lead—as employers, funders, and community anchors. By co-designing jobs that anticipates digitalisation, the green transition, and demographic change, local authorities turn ambition into lasting opportunity and make quality employment the norm.”