Investing in human capital to couple equality with competitiveness as well as the role of Local and Regional Authorities (LRAs) to fight inequality and strengthen democracy were the main issues raised by EPP-CoR members during a debate on a Union of Equality.
Helena Dalli, Commissioner for Internal Equality said "LRAs need to be recognised as strategic partners and in the implementation and monitoring of the Union of Equality package. LRAs must have necessary resources to implement the various strategies." She added that the National Recovery and Resilience Plans (NRRPs) will be reviewed to ensure that key priorities, including equal opportunities for all, are included.
Jelena Drenjanin, EPP-CoR first Vice-President said that he Union of Equality is not just a strategy but a mind-set, an attitude and a different, fresh and inclusive way to look at the world of today. Speaking on the role of LRAs in the Union of Equality package Drenjanin, who is Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Huddinge said "We at the local and regional level know that our work, our behaviours are of the outmost importance of how our societies develop. We are closest to the citizens and deal with the effects of suffering and costs, that are the results of an unequal treatment. There are no winners in the long run for inequality. By building societies that are giving all citizens equal right to participate in everyday life, we are strengthening democracy and building sustainable societies.
Csaba Borboly, President of Harghita County Council and EPP Coordinator of the CoR Commission for Social Policy, Education, Employment, Research and Culture, spoke on the need to create the right conditions, at all levels of government, to unchain talents and skills, and couple this with equal opportunities. "The EPP-CoR Group, supports the proposal to have by 2030, at least 60% of all adults participating in training every year" Borboly pointed out. "In a fast-changing world, this is where we must invest in terms of human capital. We must succeed in this mission, in order to couple equality with competitiveness at the world scale.” "In such context – concluded Borboly - EU funds have to be used in a way that nobody is left behind".
Sari Rautio, Chair of City Board of Hämeenlinna and Vice-Chair of Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities spoke on the need to have a diversity of people when taking decisions, including youths and children as well as to take on board diverse views. She said that that this can be a European strength.