"As a local and regional representative, I am very much aware and concerned that the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) and the proposed relationship between the EU and the UK lacks 'territorial "depth'. In this still-transitional period of shaping the new relationship with the UK, the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) wishes to contribute to setting a positive agenda for territorial co-operation with UK local and regional authorities based on new avenues." Michael Murphy, the COR CIVEX Rapporteur or ‘Strengthening the EU-UK relationship at subnational level and remedying the territorial impact of the UK's withdrawal from the EU’ made these remarks during a debate on the EU–UK relationship held during the COTER Commission. Murphy stressed the need of stronger recognition of the role of local and regional authorities as a building block in the future of EU-UK relations.
Murphy, who serves as Mayor of Clonmel Borough District added "Territorial cooperation is at the heart of the whole European project - a cornerstone of European integration. I have seen this at first hand in my own region. As a member of Tipperary County Council, in the South West of Ireland, my local authority has been heavily involved in INTERREG – particularly working cross border with Wales in the UK. Unfortunately, this cooperation will not continue in the next funding period, as the UK will not participate in the European Territorial Cooperation programmes. However, I know that my local authority and others across Europe, with existing and fruitful relationships with the UK will be seeking to continue this work." In this regard, Murphy's opinion will look at avenues and structures for cooperation that can build on successful work carried by INTERREG programmes that can serve to maintain strong links with UK cities and regions. He said that the Commission must consider amending the European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation (EGTCs) regulation in order to allow bilateral EGTCs with the UK.
Murphy, who serves as the CoR Econ Chair also spoke on the economic impact being faced by cities and regions because of BREXIT. "I want to examine how or if the implementation of the BREXIT Adjustment Reserve (BAR) can involve regions and cities (in the EU) and allowing them to remedy the territorial impact of the UK's withdrawal from the EU."
Next steps
Following today's exchange of views, the CoR Rapporteur will exchange views with the ECON Commission next Tuesday. A draft working document for an exchange of views in CIVEX is expected for February 2022, with adoption in CIVEX at end of March and adoption by the CoR plenary in April 2022.
Murphy recently met with MEPs, the European Commission and with the Local Government Associations and Parliament from across the UK – England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and will continue meeting further stakeholders in the coming weeks to compile his opinion.