"The pandemic has taught us that only coordinated European action that only contributions which include the local and regional level can be successful. Therefore, the strategic autonomy of the European Union, as the main focus of the next Foresight report, must be built together with its regions and cities. Tapping into the rich expertise and smart specialisation strategies, developed by many regions today, will allow us to address the EU's strategic dependencies efficiently. This is key to achieve the ambitious twin digital and green transformations in Europe." Olgierd Geblewicz, President of the EPP-CoR Group and President of the Westpomerania Region made these remarks during a debate on better regulation with Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-President of the European Commission for Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight.
Gaetano Armao, Vice-President, Region of Sicily spoke on the network of regional HUBs set by the Committee of the Regions (CoR) to monitor the implementation of EU policies on the ground and to make sure the voice of hundreds of regional and local stakeholders is taken into account when these policies are evaluated. He said "Creating an ecosystem, based on a constant dialogue between the local and regional authorities, member states and the European Commission is key for better regulation. Each of these actors must make their own contribution so that the legislative review process is effective, and able to shape laws tailored for citizens and businesses, in such a way that addresses their aspirations and in line with the development of society and local communities.
Sergio Caci, Mayor of Montato di Castro recalled that surveys conducted in preparation for the EU's regional and local barometer for 2020 showed that citizens place greater trust in local and regional authorities, than in any other level of government. In this regard he said "This is why it is important to sustain the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality that the CoR asks for in all areas in which it is a protagonist." He thanked the European Commission for introducing platforms and networks, in which the CoR plays an active role. "The Fit4Future platform is an example, giving the Committee a very strong position. Legislation in a clear, transparent and inclusive way is essential" he concluded.
József Berényi, Vice-Chairman of Trnava Self – Governing Region said that in the future successful legislation should be based on simplicity and must avoid administrative burden. He added "Time has shown that local and regional authorities play a crucial role in health care, in social infrastructure and in cross border matters"
Csaba Borboly, President of Harghita County Council spoke on the challenge faced in Harghita and across Romania because of large carnivores and the need to analyse the Habitats Directive to address this issue. "The damage caused recently by wild animals has increased exponentially in many regions in Europe, unfortunately lately also on human attacks. Decisions need to be taken to provide solutions for public safety, given, of course, the specific environmental characteristics of bears." In this regard, Borboly has put forward the proposal for the DG Environment to include in the Work Programme of 2022 the external meeting of the Large Carnivores Platform to be organized in Harghita County, Romania to show commitment in addressing this issue.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3yQL0dshrc&list=PLZkp86_2BA1jRSbxWIu0YGncChszD03Zd&index=1