Summit of EPP Regional and Local Leaders in Bucharest with Manfred Weber sends a strong message for an efficient, united and democratic European Union rooted in its cities and regions
On 16 March, more than 4000 politicians from Romania and across the EU gathered at the Summit of EPP Regional and Local Leaders together with the EPP Spitzenkandidat Manfred Weber and Klaus Iohannis, President of Romania, to promote a pro-European vision for the future of Europe and to adopt the EPP Local and Regional Manifesto in view of the 2019 European elections.
Introducing the EPP Local and Regional Manifesto in view of the 2019 European elections, Michael Schneider, President of EPP-CoR, presented the long-term vision of local and regional politicians that work closest to EU citizens and are therefore best placed to rebuild trust in the European project:
"We are ready to work together with national and European leaders, and with Manfred Weber for a Europe that meets our citizens' expectations. We want a sustainable, democratic European Union that is rooted in our villages, cities and regions and delivers results as close as possible to the people."
"I cannot imagine a better place to present my initiative for the future of Europe than among PNL mayors and regional representatives today at the Bucharest EPP Summit of regional and local leaders. A strong PNL at all levels means a better future for Romania, and I thank Ludovic Orban for such strong leadership." said Manfred Weber, EPP Lead Candidate for the Presidency of the European Commission.
The Summit also showcased concrete examples on how the EPP delivers results to improve the daily lives of people in our cities and regions; a number of the projects were also presented by the speakers during the two panels which were moderated by Michael Murphy, Vice-Chairman of Tipperary County Council, EPP-CoR, and Mara Mareș, President of the Youth Liberal Party in Romania.
EPP-CoR member, Olgierd Geblewicz, President of the Westpomerania Region, said during the first debate of the event that: "combatting fake news and disinformation is crucial especially ahead of the European Elections where citizens need to make a well informed choice on a better future for a more secure and prosperous EU. Disinformation undermines society which effects us all .
“This year is very important for the European Union, as well as for Romania and Sibiu, the host city of EU Summit on 9 May", said Daniela Cîmpean, President of Sibiu County Council, member of the PNL and EPP-CoR. She continued: "From the region of Sibiu, we demonstrate with concrete examples that the basic principles that make us a great European family are caring for citizens, democracy and the rule of law.”
EPP-CoR member, Emil Boc, Mayor of Cluj-Napoca, PNL and former Prime Minister of Romania 2008-2012 underlined the importance of investing in education: "investing in education is the safest investment in the world because you do not risk bankruptcy. In my city, 20% of the taxes are reinvested in education. For this reason, all schools in Cluj-Napoca are equipped with internet and modern teaching facilities. We have to prepare the young generation with the necessary skills they need for the future".
Jelena Drenjanin, EPP-CoR member from Stockholm Region, Municipal Assembly of Huddinge said that "democracy has to be dynamic and never taken for granted. It takes decades to build and seconds to destroy. European citizens of all ages deserve a brighter".
“Europe endeavors for a better life for its people: better education, environmental responsibility and the preservation of cultural historical heritage are sound investments. Innovation is a key factor in developing my city and I am pleased to say that Financial Times declared Sofia the second most attractive cities for investments". stated Yordanka Fandakova, Mayor of Sofia.
In keeping with the theme of innovation, Markku Markkula, President, Helsinki Region, First Vice-President of the European Committee of the Regions underlined that only “strong local leaders with their EPP partnerships is the answer for delivering innovative solutions for citizens. We need regional and local partnerships, the involvement of the citizens, universities and a good business environment. Only together can we create a better future for our communities".
Gheorghe Flutur, President, Suceava County, President of the PNL League of Locally Elected Politicians said " As a local leader, I recognise that we need more Europe in my region, likewise Europe needs more regional and local level representation in the EU decision making process. I am happy to see that the EPP is leading a dialogue with the citizens and bringing their message to the EU level".
Ana Lídia Pereira, President, Youth of the European People’s Party underlined the importance of the next generation: "the young people are the future of Europe and should be represented at a European, national, regional and local level. We need to create policies that address the concerns of young Europeans and have a tangible effect on their day to day lives".
In addition, young members from the PNL and the EPP shared their ideas on how Europe should be shaped in the future.