EPP-CoR members convene in preparation for the upcoming CoR Plenary Session and hold debate with Rui Rio
The role of local and regional authorities (LRAs) in European democracy and recovery as well as their role in the conference on the Future of Europe were the key topics discussed during a debate with Rui Rio President of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and leader of the opposition in Portugal.
Rio, a former Mayor of Porto spoke on the crucial role of LRAs in the life of citizens. "We have to strengthen LRAs in Europe. In the day to day life, LRAs have a fundamental influence on our lives" Rio said that the pandemic has shown how Europe is relevant and that Europe has to continue its project together.
On the Portuguese presidency of the Council of the EU, Rio said vaccination rate needs to gain ground and that this was a priority. He also spoke on the importance of coordination of different measures to fight the pandemic. On the recovery process Rio said "We have to make sure that recovery funds are released to ensure money reaches society. This is key for economic recovery."
Olgierd Geblewicz, EPP-CoR President and President of West Pomerania Region said that the EPP-CoR Group believes that the EU needs to evolve and renew its construction in a more democratic, three-dimensional way: European, national, as well as regional and local.
Emil Boc, Mayor of Cluj-Napoca said that the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) is the key instrument to help cities and regions emerge stronger and more resilient from the current crisis. "The Facility is ensuring a long-term sustainable and inclusive recovery that promotes the green and digital transitions." said Boc while appealing for funds to reach cities without delay. He said that Cluj-Napoca aims to convert public transport into green operations but funds were needed.
Birgitta Sacrédeus, Member of Dalarna Regional Council said that the pandemic has sped up digitalisation across Europe. "A positive thing with the pandemic is that we are communicating more digitally. This is also good for the environment and meetings can also be efficient."
José Bolieiro, President of the Regional Government of Azores recognised the important role of EPP local councillors in Portugal to protect European values.
Michael Murphy, Councillor for Tipperary County Council and ECON chair said that the resilience of SMEs has been challenged. He added that SMEs play a crucial role in local economies and need full support. "SMEs are at the very heart of each city and region. Most are family based businesses and crucial for local communities. They invest, hire and spend locally. They need to get financial support in a fair way". Murphy added that the RRF is at the heart of the European recovery. On the National Recovery and Resilience Plans (NRRPs), the ECON chair said "Failure to involve LRAs in NRRP will be detrimental to the recovery process. Only a minority of national governments are consulting LRAs and a further minority are taking on board their input."
Ivan Žagar, Mayor of the Municipality of Slovenska Bistrica underlined that for the development of regions, cities and municipalities, the correct principle of partnership and multilevel governance is important in terms of a decentralized approach to the planning and implementation of cohesion, as well as the RRF. He appealed for cohesion and the recovery plan, in the context of economic recovery, to include effective responses to the negative consequences faced in specific environments (economic migration, brain drain, lack of health services, digital divide, transport infrastructure) and contribute to adequate quality of life in all EU regions and local communities.
Mark Speich, Secretary of State for Federal, European and International Affairs for the Land of North Rhine-Westphalia and CIVEX chair said "Our political family, the EPP should start leading on the important questions on the Conference on the Future of Europe: how to re-establish the dialogue with citizens and how to reform the architecture of European decision making so that it brings decisions as close as possible to citizens."
Markku Markkula, Chair of Espoo City Board and President of the Helsinki Region said that recovery should mean, above all, strong renewal towards sustainable growth. On the role of cities and regions Markkula said "European cities with their industry are the trailblazers in making this a reality. We, the EPP city leaders, request the EU Member States to rely on cities and city-driven regions when making decisions on the most effective measures to be financed."
Hélder Sousa Silva, Mayor of Mafra said that SMEs along with local and regional authorities have an important role to play in making the national recovery and resilience plan, which Europe urgently needs, a success.
