Putting the European Green Deal at the heart of the Conference on the Future of Europe, engagement of Local and Regional Authorities (LRAs) in the drafting of European Green Deal policies and implementations, adequate financing for LRAs to implement key projects and the need to invest in innovative digital technologies to reach EU targets were the key issues raised by EPP-CoR members during 3 key debates on the European Green Deal held during the ENVE meeting chaired by EPP-CoR member and ENVE first Vice-Chair Rastislav Trnka.
Debate on the Conference on the Future of Europe
Discussing the role of the European Green Deal in the context of the Conference on the Future of Europe, Hanna Zdanowska, Mayor of Łódź said " If we are to work out a plan for a better future for Europe together, the European Green Deal must be at its centre. It must ensure the sustainable development of cities and regions, but above all, it must be built for people and with people."
Whilst thanking President Tzitzikostas for enabling a strong representation of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) and thus the voice of citizens in the plenary session of the Conference on the Future of Europe, Zdanowska stressed the importance of engaging LRAs as well as citizens in the process. "We cannot do big politics without involving our citizens just as fighting climate change is not possible without the participation of local and regional authorities. A strong Europe is not possible without dialogue with its citizens."
Markku Markkula, Chair of the Espoo City Board and President of Helsinki Region said that the contribution of the CoR changed with time. "Whereas in the past the CoR concentrated on general issues such as financial instruments, it is now focusing on specific matters and concrete tasks to accomplish. Therefore we need to be more proactive to generate models that can be adopted by all" said the former CoR President.
Debate on the European Commission's Work Programme for 2022
Csaba Borboly, President of Harghita County Council and acting EPP ENVE coordinator for today's meeting focused on two aspects that the European Commission's Work Programme for 2022 must include. Speaking on active subsidiarity, Borboly said that all the levels of government must be taken on board when drafting and implementing the European Green Deal. He appealed for regular and framed discussions with LRAs which he said is key to achieve the European Green Deal goals. Borboly, a Climate Pact Ambassador also spoke on the role of LRAs as a link between citizens and the EU. He expressed his commitment to organise further local dialogues to collect feedback from citizens on the Green Deal which will serve as an input to the national and the EU policy-making.
With respect to financial resources, Borboly called for direct funds for LRAs to implement environment, energy and climate projects. "We need to create a level playing field to have more public and private investment, and more synergies at different levels of financing. We should not forget about the importance of solidarity to help regions lagging behind in the transition to low-carbon, climate-neutral and bio-diverse economy".
Debate on the Fit for 55 package
Markku Markkula, Chair of the Espoo City Board and President of Helsinki Region said that to achieve the 55% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, action was needed now and Europe needs to be bold! "Empowering LRAs with adequate financing and investment in innovative digital technologies, as well as boosting societal innovation are key to reach breakthrough solutions together" he stressed.
Rastislav Trnka, Chairman of Košice Self – Governing Region said that many changes await European and national energy legislation. "We will work together to achieve the Fit for 55 package's goals, also thanks to the development of areas with the greatest potential for energy efficiency - starting with buildings, transport and industry. Trnka recalled that the Fit for 55 package will regulate emissions trading, the Renewable Energy Directive, the Energy Efficiency Directive and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. In this regard he said "This initiative is a unique opportunity for LRAs to influence and implement the policies they understand best. Let's take the lead."