"The success of this partnership for resilience, recovery, reform and delivery of concrete results for the people in the places they live in, will depend on good governance, and on close cooperation with cities and regions." Apostolos Tzitzikostas, President of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) made these remarks during the 10th CORLEAP annual meeting
Discussing the role of local and regional authorities (LRAs) in supporting the Eastern Partnership, Maia Sandu, President of the Republic of Moldova referred to a reform in decentralization. "I am a strong believer of local self-government. Mayors are among the most trusted institution in Moldova, a great advantage and immense responsibility. They need our support. While we are working for strong and independent judiciary, mayors play a crucial role in strengthening local democracy. I invite European partners to build partnership with Moldovan local authorities to ensure a prosperous future for our country. "
Referring to the LRAs' contribution to the Eastern Partnership (EaP) Summit MEP Siegfried Muresan stressed the need to work together with elected LRA officials, by sharing of best practices as well as partnerships between cities and villages.
Radim Sršeň, Mayor of the Municipality of Dolní Studénky highlighted the possible cooperation in regional development and bottom up approaches like LEADER in Moldova and Georgia. "We have to make more use of these instruments, make a joint cooperation with EaP countries where the method is implemented. LEADER is bringing local democracy in neighbouring countries; peer-to-peer cooperation is fundamental."
Daniela Cimpean, President of Sibiu County Council said that the success of the Eastern Partnership can only be achieved if all levels of government, including the local level, work hard. She said that in 2017, Sibiu signed a partnership with Donduseni District of the Republic of Moldova. "We are cooperating in areas of common interest for the sustainable and balanced development of our two communities. At the same time, we facilitated the twinning of several localities from our two communities. I am convinced that only through joint efforts of all actors involved at local, regional, national, and European level, we can contribute to a better future for our communities, through efforts for an integrated and resilient economy, a high security level, a good protection of the rule of law and democracy, sound environmental and climate policies, or inclusive policies for our citizens."
Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, Mayor of Gdansk and Chair of the CoR Ukraine Working Group said that during a recent meeting, Ukrainian mayors shared with the Members of the CoR their deepest concerns regarding the intimidation they are currently suffering from Russia, and which has intensified in the past weeks. "I would like to echo their concerns and assure them that we stand together with our Ukrainian partners, particularly with cities and regions closest to the war zone. In this regard, we must strengthen our partnership relations. I am confident that the activity of Ukraine Working Group will bring added value to the EU–Ukraine cooperation, as well as to CORLEAP activities at large."
Ricardo Rio, Mayor of Braga said that by valuing the localisation of the SDGs, the EaP cities and regions will not only improve the living conditions for their inhabitants but also come one step closer to the EU by aligning their development strategies with those of the EU's regions and cities.