Opinions

CoR opinions led by EPP Group rapporteurs:

Opinions in progress

by CoR Rapporteur

Pehr GRANFALK


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Digital simplification and the Data Union Strategy

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by CoR Rapporteur

Adam STRUZIK


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EU's Eastern regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine

Indicative calendar  

  • Appointment of rapporteur on 27 April; 
  • Exchange of views in COTER on 24-25 June; 
  • First discussion and adoption in COTER on 17 September (at the External meeting in Cáceres);  
  • Adoption in the Plenary session in December. 

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by CoR Rapporteur

Keven CAUCHI


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EU Ports Strategy

Indicative calendar  

  • Appointment of rapporteur on 27 April; 
  • Exchange of views in COTER on 24-25 June; 
  • First discussion and adoption in COTER on 17 September (at the External meeting in Cáceres);  
  • Adoption in the Plenary session in December. 

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by CoR Rapporteur

Vlasta KRMELJ


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The revision of the energy security framework

The proposed timeline • Exchange of views at the ENVE: 18-19 June 2026 • Adoption of draft opinion at the ENVE: 29 September 2026 • Adoption of opinion at the Plenary: 2-3 December 2026

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by CoR Rapporteur

Konstantinos BAKOYANNIS


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EU global climate and energy vision: Towards more inclusive climate and environment global negotiations

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by CoR Rapporteur

Alberto CIRIO


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The future of the rice sector in Europe: a common strategy

Own-Iniative opinion

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by CoR Rapporteur

Dimitrios KAFANTARIS


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Integrated Wildfire Risk Management

This opinion is based on COM(2026) 330 final by the European Commission published on 25 March. The size and intensity of wildfires are increasing and they can cause far-reaching damage to Europe's society, economy, environment, climate, infrastructure and cultural heritage. This Communication aims to present concrete actions on how the EU can better support and complement wildfire risk management efforts at all levels, aiming to address wildfire risk holistically as a long-term problem, covering the whole risk management cycle of prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. The Communication is divided into seven areas of focus and has a strong local / regional dimension Indicative timeline for adoption: - exchange of views in the NAT commission on 01 June; - discussion and adoption in the NAT commission on 01-02 October 2026; - final adoption at the Plenary session of 02-03 December 2026.

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by CoR Rapporteur

Olgierd GEBLEWICZ


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Protect EU: Agenda to Prevent and Counter Terrorism

Olgierd Geblewicz (PL/EPP), President of the West Pomerania Region, has been appointed rapporteur by the CIVEX Commission of the European Committee of the Regions’ opinion on the “Protect EU: Agenda to Prevent and Counter Terrorism.”

The opinion aims to strengthen the European Union’s capacity to anticipate and respond to security threats, with a strong focus on preventing radicalisation, protecting citizens and critical infrastructure, and enhancing resilience across public spaces. It will also highlight the essential role of local and regional authorities, which in many Member States hold key competences in areas such as prevention, community resilience, and the protection of public spaces.
 

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by CoR Rapporteur

Csaba BORBOLY


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Agora EU

The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) has appointed Csaba Borboly, Vice-President of Harghita County Council (Romania), as rapporteur for the opinion on the new AgoraEU programme, which will run from 2028 to 2034. This programme will bring together the current Creative Europe and Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values programmes into a single, strengthened initiative.

In his first comments following the appointment, Csaba Borboly said: “This programme represents a modern European ‘agora’ – in the spirit of the ancient Athenian square – where citizens, young people, and communities together shape Europe’s future. I will work to ensure that these resources reach Europe’s regions, including rural and peripheral areas such as Harghita County. Investing in culture, media and youth participation is investing in Europe’s unity.”

The rapporteur stressed that AgoraEU will only deliver on its promise if it does not remain symbolic, but becomes a practical instrument for citizens – through the financing of debate forums, festivals, youth scholarships, digital platforms, and innovative media projects.

Background

On 30 September 2025, the European Commission presented a Proposal for a Regulation establishing the AgoraEU programme for the period 2028–2034. With a budget of €8.58 billion, the programme is structured under three strands:

  • Culture, Media and Democracy
  • Citizens, Rights and Values

AgoraEU merges the strands of the current Creative Europe programme and the CERV programme (Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values).

The programme appears under the priority of Competitiveness, Prosperity and Security and is designed to promote shared values such as democracy, equality and the rule of law, while supporting Europe’s cultural diversity, its audio-visual and creative sectors, media freedom, and the involvement of civil society. Importantly, AgoraEU is the first EU programme entirely dedicated to democracy and citizen participation, with funding for citizens’ assemblies, public consultations and civic education.

Timetable

  • Exchange of views in SEDEC Commission: 28 November 2025
  • Adoption by SEDEC Commission: 13 February 2026
  • Adoption in CoR Plenary session: 6–7 May 2026

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by CoR Rapporteur

Roberto PELLA


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Erasmus+ programme

The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) has appointed Roberto Pella, Mayor of Valdengo, as rapporteur for the opinion on the future Erasmus+ programme, which will run from 2028 to 2034. As rapporteur, he will shape the CoR’s contribution to this key initiative for young Europeans.

In his first comments following the appointment, Roberto Pella said: “I am very pleased to have been chosen today by the SEDEC Commission of the European Committee of the Regions to be the rapporteur on the Erasmus+ project. This is an important initiative in support of young people, providing funding for sport, for volunteering, for cultural activities, but above all, funding to promote youth employment. We will place young people at the heart of the requests that municipalities, regions and provinces will present to the Parliament and the Council, in order to pursue an active and concrete policy in favour of the new generations.”

Timetable

Adoption by SEDEC Commission: 13 February 2026

Adoption in CoR Plenary session: 6–7 May 2026

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by CoR Rapporteur

Susanne WAHLSTRÖM


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LGBTIQ+ Equality

Based on: Communication by the European Commission on the Union of Equality: LGBTIQ+ Equality
Strategy 2026-2030 - COM(2025) 725

Tentative adoption calendar:
 Adoption by SEDEC: 24 April 2026
 Adoption in Plenary session: 1-2 July 2026

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by CoR Rapporteur

Tanya HRISTOVA


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Culture Compass for Europe

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by CoR Rapporteur

Markku MARKKULA


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European Strategy on Research & Technology Infrastructures

Based on: Communication from the Commission on A European Strategy on Research and Technology
Infrastructures - COM(2025) 497

Tentative adoption calendar:
 Adoption by SEDEC: 24 April 2026
 Adoption in Plenary session: 1-2 July 2026

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by CoR Rapporteur

Pehr GRANFALK


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Digital Omnibus

Indicative adoption timeline:
– ECON meeting on 27/11/2025: appointment of rapporteur
– ECON meeting on 27/1/2026: exchange of views
– ECON meeting on 23/4/2026: adoption in ECON
– Plenary session on 1-2/7/2026: adoption in plenary
These dates are indicative and subject to change.

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by CoR Rapporteur

Arnoldas ABRAMAVIČIUS


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Union Support for Asylum, Migration and Integration Management 2028 - 2034

The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) has appointed Arnoldas Abramavičius, Councillor of the Zarasai District Municipality Council (Lithuania), as rapporteur for the opinion on the forthcoming European Asylum and Migration Management Strategy.

In his first comments following the appointment, Arnoldas Abramavičius said: ''Managing migration is a European challenge which can't be addressed without the engagement of regions and municipalities. As rapporteur, I will work to ensure that EU resources in the future Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) will support the capacities of LRAs to contribute to a comprehensive and orderly management of migration, integration and returns.''

Background

The proposal for the European Asylum and Migration Management Strategy forms part of the legislative package for the MFF 2028–2034. It is expected to be presented in December 2025, and will be closely linked to the Proposal for a Regulation on Union support for asylum, migration and integration.

The proposed regulation lays down the objectives and financing of Union support for the implementation, strengthening and development of the common policy on asylum and the common immigration policy for the period 1 January 2028 – 31 December 2034.

Together, these initiatives will define the EU’s long-term framework for supporting Member States, regions and local authorities in managing migration, ensuring integration, and upholding the Union’s values of solidarity, security and responsibility-sharing.

Next steps

- Commission proposal on the European Asylum and Migration Management Strategy expected: 12December 2025

- Opinion preparation in CIVEX Commission: discussion and adoption is early 2026; adoption in CoR Plenary in July 2026.

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by CoR Rapporteur

Radim SRŠEŇ


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Future of Rural Development after 2027

The NAT Commission of the European Committee of the Regions has officially appointed Radim Sršeň (EPP/CZ), Deputy Minister for Regional Development of the Czech Republic and Mayor of Municipality of Dolni Studenky, as rapporteur for the own-initiative opinion on “Future of Rural Development 2028+.” His work will contribute to shaping EU rural policies, ensuring that Europe’s rural communities remain vibrant, innovative, and resilient.
 
Radim Sršeň said: “Rural areas are the backbone of Europe. With this opinion, we have a unique opportunity to move beyond fragmented policies and develop a truly long-term, place-based vision for our rural territories. Strengthening rural services, supporting local economies, and accelerating digital and sustainable solutions will be essential to ensure that no community is left behind. I look forward to working closely with local and regional leaders as well as all rural stakeholders across Europe to build a stronger, more cohesive future for rural areas.”
 
Next steps
•    4 February 2026 – Adoption in the NAT Commission
•    6–7 May 2026 – Adoption in the CoR plenary session
 

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by CoR Rapporteur

María GUARDIOLA MARTÍN


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ERDF including ETC and CF" regulation

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by CoR Rapporteur

Emil BOC


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NRPPs Fund regulation

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by CoR Rapporteur

Rafał Kazimierz TRZASKOWSKI


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Mainstreaming climate, energy and environmental priorities across the MFF

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by CoR Rapporteur

Piotr CAŁBECKI


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The Common Agricultural Policy.

The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)": The opinion is the CoR response to the EC proposal for the regulation COM (2025) 560 part of the MFF 2028-2034.
Indicative timeline for adoption:
- exchange of views in the NAT commission on 19 November;
- discussion and adoption in the second NAT commission in 2026;
- final adoption at the Plenary session of July 2026.

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by CoR Rapporteur

Thibaut GUIGNARD


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The Common Fisheries Policy, the European Ocean Pact, and the Union’s maritime and aquaculture policy.

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Recently adopted opinions

by CoR Rapporteur

Pehr GRANFALK


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European Competitiveness Fund

The European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) is a new proposal within the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), aiming to consolidate 14 existing EU funding instruments into a single framework to support strategic technologies, innovation, industrial deployment, and scaling. It will channel funds to SMEs, start-ups, research institutions and manufacturing projects, and seeks to leverage private investment alongside EU budget support. 

In his first reaction the rapporteur said: “This opinion offers a unique opportunity for regional governments across the EU to shape how critical strategic investments will reach our territories, and, as we all agree, this is one of the key issues of this mandate and will shape the future of our companies and of our people. Consolidating 14 funding instruments into a single framework and targeting high-priority windows such as digital leadership, decarbonization, health & biotech, and security — makes it essential that regions are heard in its governance and implementation. I will ensure that the principles of subsidiarity, territorial cohesion, and place-based development are safeguarded, preventing a top-down, one-size-fits-all approach that might favor already advanced regions.”

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by CoR Rapporteur

Frederiek VERMEULEN


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European Chemicals Industry Action Plan

Frederiek Vermeulen (BE/EPP), Member of the Council of the Municipality of Ichtegem, has been appointed rapporteur on the European Chemicals Industry Action Plan. The European Chemicals Industry Action Plan sets out a strategic roadmap to strengthen competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience of the EU chemicals sector, while reducing regulatory burdens through simplification.  The plan also proposes forming a Critical Chemicals Alliance to identify vulnerable production sites, align investments, monitor trade distortions, and coordinate measures at national and EU levels. 

In his first reaction the rapporteur said: “The chemical industry is a cornerstone of Flanders’ economy and one of Europe’s leading clusters. It is essential that the transition of this sector combines competitiveness with sustainability and health protection. This Action Plan is key to the future of Flanders and will make sure that it takes into account local realities.”

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by CoR Rapporteur

Emma BLAIN


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Single Market and Customs Programme

Emma Blain (IE/EPP), Dublin City Councillor, was appointed rapporteur on the Single Market Programme. The Single Market Programme is one of the EU’s key instruments to support the functioning and deepening of the internal market, notably by funding initiatives in standardisation, market surveillance, consumer protection, regulatory convergence, customs cooperation, and reduction of barriers to trade. 

In her statement Blain said: “This opinion is of great importance as our open economy depends on smooth trade, reliable standards, and clear customs rules. The reforms under this Programme will reduce costs for exporters, make e-commerce more predictable for businesses and consumers, strengthen product safety and environmental standards, and improve customs cooperation at key entry points like Dublin Port. But we must also ensure that SMEs — many of whom may not yet qualify for trusted trader status — are supported in adapting to new requirements, and that implementation costs do not create barriers.”

Blain, who has served as Lord Mayor of Dublin until June 2025, added: “I have engaged directly with SMEs and start-ups, and know how vital it is that these reforms translate into opportunities on the ground. For Fine Gael and the EPP, our priorities are clear: supporting start-ups and SMEs, ensuring fair competition and a level playing field, especially in Dublin, where local businesses compete alongside global tech giants, and making the Programme accessible and understandable for smaller firms across the Union.”

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by CoR Rapporteur

Sari RAUTIO


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Multiannual Financial Framework package

Background: The European Commission is expected to present on 16 July the first set of proposals related to post 2027 MFF. Against this background, the own-initiative opinion will allow the CoR to pre-appoint a rapporteur in order to begin with the reflection process as regards the CoR political recommendations from the LRA perspective. Timetable: - Exchange of views in the COTER commission: 7 October 2025 - Adoption in the COTER Commission Meeting: 1 December 2025 - Adoption in the plenary session: first 2026 plenary session

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