EPP European, national, regional and local leaders joined an EPP Local Dialogue organised by the EPP-CoR Group to discuss the challenges being faced by villages, cities and regions including lack of digital infrastructure and their commitment to address the digital divide while making the digital transition work for the people through synergies and by engaging citizens. The event was moderated by Deirdre Forde, Councillor Cork City Council.
Cities and regions in the digital age
Olgierd Geblewicz, President EPP-CoR Group and President of West Pomerania Region said that there are still a huge number of factors influencing the digital transition at the sub-national level including a widespread divide between rural and urban areas in terms of digital infrastructure as well as insufficient digital interaction between public authorities and business. Geblewicz said that local and regional leaders are committed to propel the digital transition forward. He referred to efforts in his region to create a regional e-health platform, providing services for patients, which can ultimately be used in all medical entities located in the region.
Mariya Gabriel, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth said that the digital transition must be achieved through synergies between different stakeholders, Erasmus+, Horizon and cohesion funds. She added that the regional and local level are the ideal ecosystem where these synergies can flourish. Gabriel stressed that cities and regions are key innovation hubs helping the EU to position itself in the digital age thus making the EU more competitive globally.
Peter Geršak, State Secretary, Office of the Government of Slovenia for Digital Transformation referred to the establishment of the national digitalisation council composed of entrepreneurs, researchers and educators who are proposing measures to accelerate the digital transformation of digital governance, from health to education.
Emil Boc, Mayor of Cluj-Napoca said that it is key to ensure that digital transformation is done in an ethical manner. He also called for the digital transition to take place with citizens who need to be part of the co-design of the future. He added that investment in infrastructure can be an economical boost in these difficult times. Boc shared with Commissioner Gabriel good practices from his city Cluj-Napoca including the recently launched innovation fund for young people between 16 and 26.
Romy Karier, CoR Rapporteur on ‘Youth Employment Support: a Bridge to Jobs for the Next Generation’ and Member of Clervaux municipal council said that ensuring that youths have digital skills is of utmost importance. "The digitalisation and technology changes are a priority of the job markets. Young people need to be upskilled and skilled to face the transition."
Tackling the digital divide for Europe’s recovery
Markku Markkula, President of the Helsinki Region said “Cities and villages will invent the welfare future. We – the EPP local leaders – want the future to be sustainable. This target can only be achieved with the help of societal innovations, strongly supported by technological innovations and progress." Markkula added that digitalisation is the driver of change. The CoR Rapporteur on the European Missions added that the European Missions play a crucial role in this transformation, especially the Mission on Climate Neutral and Smart Cities.
Radim Sršeň, Mayor of the Municipality of Dolní Studénky said that digital transformation can bring back a future for rural areas. Technologies can offer new opportunities for work, education and health. He said that his municipality is investing in broadband infrastructure to ensure that every citizen enjoy connectivity. He said that citizens should remain at the centre of the transition "Smart villages are not just about technologies but also about people and their smart ideas". He concluded his address from the rural landscapes of his municipality appealing for a paradigm shift in how to look at rural areas. "Rural areas are not a museum. Rural areas are smart. Europe starts in rural areas."
MEP Eva Maydell, spoke of the digital divide and stressed that many places have very different strengths and weaknesses when it comes to digitalisation. She said that local and regional governance have an important role to play in identifying these. She added that more than 40% of European companies report that it is difficult for them to find suitably skilled candidates for the jobs they offer. Therefore, addressing the issue of re-skilling and skilling up is necessary.
Hanna Zdanowska, Mayor of the City of Łódź said that an important aspect of the digital age is the need to reconcile the competences of local governments with the new regulations on digitization. She emphasised the need of engaging local and regional authorities to facilitate digitalisation. "There is a need for greater involvement of local authorities at European Union level. Regions and cities must actively participate in the drafting of these regulations and ensure that the position of local governments is taken into account in these acts."