"More than ever we need to speed up energy transition in line with the European Green Deal. Independence from Russian gas, oil and coal is our top priority. We need to invest more in energy efficiency and renewable energy. For this, we need to get direct EU funds to build more sustainable and resilient local communities." Olgierd Geblewicz, President of the EPP-CoR group and President of Western Pomerania Region (Poland) made these remarks during a presentation of the priorities of the Czech presidency of the Council of the EU.
Ivan Bartoš, Deputy Prime Minister for Digitalisation and Minister of Regional Development of the Czech Republic said "Europe as a mission is our motto and we want to focus on a democratic and resilient Europe. As mayors you represent your citizens, you are the most trusted politicians in Europe, you experience the very essence of EU and you are the ones who implement on the ground the policies from Brussels. Cohesion is a strong tool for Local and Regional Authorities (LRAs) and we would like to start an institutional debate on the future of Cohesion policy."
With respect to Cohesion Policy, Geblewicz said that is vital for the development of regions and cities. He thus called for cohesion policy funding not to be used for every new challenge and priority or in the EU. He stressed the need of new financial resources.
Roman Línek, Vice-President of Pardubice Region (Czech) said "The Czech Presidency period comes at difficult times and I am happy to say that I feel a renewed sense of unity between the Czech government and local partners, including our municipalities and regions." Referring to a quote from the late Czech President, Mr. Vaclav Havel, 'Europe as a task' which was chosen as a motto of the presidency, Línek said "I think that it describes precisely what we strive for. I call on all actors to be involved in its fulfilment since it is our common interest to create a strong European synergy."
Thomas Schmidt, Minister for Regional Development, Free State of Saxony (Germany) said "It is a great honour to meet the Czech Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Bartoš again in Brussels - in the plenary of the CoR. During my visit to Prague in spring, we had an exchange of views on the ‘Interreg’ cross-border cooperation and the Just Transition Fund." Schmidt also spoke about the opinion he is preparing for the CoR. "A very topical issue of fundamental importance for Europe is the supply of microchips. As the CoR's rapporteur on the European Chips Act, I hope that this important law will be adopted this year under the Czech presidency.
Igor Androvic, Prefect of Virovitica-Podravina County (Croatia) said that the Czech presidency must place great emphasis on EU energy security issues. He said "The key to improved energy security lies primarily in a common approach and greater cooperation at regional and European levels."