"40 years of Local Government, a History with Future" is the theme of the Portuguese Social Democratic Party's VII National Congress, which is taking place this weekend in Coimbra, Portugal. Following an invitation from EPP Group in the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) Member, Alvaro Amaro, President of Autarcas Sociais Democratas (Social Democrat Mayors – PSD), Markku Markkula, President of the European Committee of the Regions, will speak about the role of municipalities in Europe as well as Innovation and Smart Specialisation Strategies for regional development and growth. During his visit to Portugal, the CoR President will also meet with Pedro Passos Coelho, Leader of PSD and former Prime Minister of Portugal, as well as visiting two projects: 'Itecons' for constructions and 'Biocant' on biotechnology.
In his address to the Mayors, President Markkula will set the scene by underlining the challenges faced by local and regional authorities throughout Europe, and particularly in Portugal. "Over the past decades, EU funds have contributed substantially to the development and wellbeing of Portugal's cities and regions. Under the budgetary pressures of today, we have to learn to do more with less - therefore we urge and encourage our Members, Mayors and Presidents of Regions, to join forces. We need an entrepreneurial outlook on investments and funding. Only through result-oriented spending can we answer the real needs of the citizens". He will continue by offering his support to the Mayors' calls for substantive and financial autonomy of local communities, development of smart specialisation strategies and better spending of EU funds.
Following the recent territorial reforms in Portugal, President Markkula is also expected to encourage the Mayors to continue with devolution: "I know that discussions on decentralisation and devolution of powers in certain sectors are still ongoing. I therefore want to encourage you because this will enable a better territorial vision for the development of your cities and regions, better coordination and partnerships between different levels of government" he will say. Former Member of EPP Group in the CoR, Fernando Ruas, will be honoured for his work as a Mayor during the closing session of the Congress. He will be portrayed as a role model for bringing the European Union closer to the Portuguese citizens through his work.
The CoR Portuguese delegation is made up of 24 members, including ten which belong to the EPP. Of these, several have been actively involved in the drafting of CoR opinions, including Luis Gomes, who led work on the social economy and Antonio Bragança Fernandes, who is hosting a study visit on 7 June to promote active citizenship for the older population.
