I am proud that the EPP took the input of local and regional leaders in its manifesto. When we shape EU legislation, we need to ensure that it is feasible for our regions across Europe. We can't adopt a one size fits all approach. We need to implement a technical check (territorial impact assessments) to check if EU legislation being proposed is feasible on the ground. Olgierd Geblewicz, President of the EPP Group in the European Committee of the Regions made these remarks during a debate on the voice of villages, cities and regions during the EPP Congress taking place in Bucharest.
Apostolos Tzitzikostas, President of Central Macedonia (Greece) said "Only by showing citizens that we care will allow us to win their trust. To do so we need to respond to their concerns with concrete projects using EU funds on the ground. Most public works in my region have been completed thanks to EU funding. Europe is making a difference in the life of citizens. We built hospitals, schools, medical centres, and parks introduced digital services, financed SMEs, invested in renewable energy and created jobs. Regions and cities can implement EU polices and through their work gain trust of citizens."
Sven Schulze, Minister for Economic Affairs, Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry of Saxony Anhalt (Germany) spoke of the tremendous investment done also thanks to EU policies such as the Chips Act. Speaking on the importance of engaging villages, cities and regions Minister Schulze said "We have seen farmers protesting across Europe. It is important to engage the local and regional level in decisions taken in Brussels. We need to work collectively to have a strong EPP and take good decisions that help our regions to develop."
Rafal Trzaskowski, Mayor of Warsaw (Poland) spoke on the need of tangible actions to address the real needs of citizens. Speaking on actions taken to empower women Trzaskowski said that women in Warsaw were facing challenges to enter the labour market due to lack of support. Hence the city invested in child care centres to cater for 20,000 children helping women to create businesses and to enter the labour market. The city also made the green transition a reality by eliminating 80% of the 15 000 coal stoves." The Mayor of Warsaw emphasised the need to talk about policies and address issues people really care for. With respect to the role of local and regional authorities he said "We walk the streets of our villages and cities so we can translate EU policies through tangible proposals. That is why we need to play a key role in EU policy making to engage people on the ground."
Isabelle Diaz Ayuso, President of the Region of Madrid (Spain) spoke on the need to safeguard EPP values. She said that the PP in Spain will continue to safeguard the rights of the people and defend the truth. She added "I ask the European Union to take note of what will be voted tomorrow in Spain: the amnesty that will allow people who have committed serious crimes against the unity of Spain, who make blacklists of judges and journalists."
Emil Boc, Mayor of Cluj-Napoca (Romania) said that democracy is when people are governing for the people. In this regard he said "Our manifesto replies to the challenges on the ground. Our goal is to offer a good quality of life and good jobs to our citizens. As long we have a strong economy and cohesion working hand in hand we will continue to move forward and secure prosperity in Europe." Speaking on tangible projects delivered on the ground Boc referred to the metro line implemented through EU funding which has reduced congestion in the city of Cluj.
Read more on the local and regional dimension of the EPP Manifesto.