In the face of mounting geopolitical challenges and recent energy disruptions across Europe, members of the European People's Party Group in the European Committee of the Regions (EPP-CoR) convened today to debate how to secure resilient energy production, modernise and better connect infrastructure across EU regions. The debate focused on the critical role of local and regional authorities (LRAs) in delivering affordable, sustainable, and secure energy to every citizen and business.
Opening the session, Sari Rautio, President of the EPP-CoR Group underscored the historical roots of European cooperation in energy and called for renewed solidarity to complete the European Energy Union. “We in the EU have what it takes: sun in the South, wind in the North, hydropower, hydrogen innovation, nuclear plants. Now we must connect our regions through stronger, modernised infrastructure and better interconnectivity — especially between the Iberian Peninsula and France. Every citizen, business and region must benefit from clean, reliable and affordable energy — using all available options, especially at local and regional level.”
Hanna Zdanowska, Mayor of Lodz who is leading EPP work on affordable energy within the ENVE Commission, called for urgent changes to permitting procedures and funding structures. “We need to guarantee a continuous and stable supply of clean, affordable energy. Long permitting delays — especially for renewables — must be addressed. We also need financial relief for LRAs and faster EU-level support for clean energy solutions.”
Highlighting the importance of bottom-up approaches, Åsa Ågren Wikström, Member of the County Council, Västerbotten Region pointed to the strategic value of localised and digitalised solutions. “We must strengthen our infrastructure in a smart, sustainable and market-oriented way. Decentralised energy production can be both reliable and eco-friendly. Greater interconnectivity — physically and digitally — across borders is crucial, and the private sector must be a key partner.”
William Elofsson, Vice-Mayor of Gävle and rapporteur on the Clean Industrial Deal in the ECON Commission, stressed the need for pan-European coordination. “We must avoid fragmentation into national frameworks. Investment must be facilitated, especially for cross-border projects. A resilient energy system requires streamlined regulation and coherent governance.”
Speaking from Portugal’s experience, Ricardo Rio, Mayor of Braga shared lessons from a country with 86% renewable energy, but lingering vulnerabilities. “Interconnected systems can still fail. Underdeveloped transport infrastructure makes things worse. We need a European management system for energy crisis response. Resilience demands more than national action.”
Jorge Azcón Navarro, President of Aragon argued for maintaining a flexible energy mix and investing in EU-wide networks. “To truly strengthen Europe’s energy resilience, we need broad reforms and a diversified energy mix. Increased cross-border interconnectivity is essential for safeguarding generation during crises.”
Urrutia de los Mozos, Minister of the Presidency, Justice, Security and Administrative Simplification of the Government of Cantabria issued a sharp critique of insufficient national investment, especially in light of Spain’s recent power outages. “What happened in Spain is unacceptable. It was the regions that took the lead with emergency plans. The structural weaknesses in our energy systems are clear. We urgently need a European-level emergency framework — but never forget that it's the regions that act first.”