EPP-CoR members have expressed concern on the latest developments of the actions of the Polish and Hungarian governments blocking the budget. Local and regional authorities need quick access to funds in order to implement key projects for their citizens. They emphasised that cities and regions could not be held liable for the actions of governments disregarding rule of law.
Marek Woźniak, President of Wielkopolska Region said that regions cannot afford to lose funds because of the actions of the Polish government. "We are very concerned of the blockage being put forward by the Polish government regarding the European Budget and the Next Generation EU deal. For local and regional authorities respect for rule of law is essential." In the past months Poland has witnessed numerous protests with people calling on the government to respect this value.
Rafał Trzaskowski, Mayor of Warsaw recalled his proposal to enable direct funding for pan-European projects to fulfil the European Green Deal objectives. He said "Some governments are behaving in an irresponsible way and cities and regions must not be penalised for their actions. This is why we need direct funding, even if this is a small percentage of funds, it will still send a strong message."
Emil Boc, Mayor of Cluj-Napoca said that EU values were non-negotiable. "We cannot negotiate our fundamental set of values and the rule of law is one of them. I ask our colleagues from cities and regions in Hungary and Poland to put pressure on their governments. We are all going to lose a historic opportunity to modernise our regions. Let's not miss this opportunity."
Supporting Boc's statement, Bernd Lange, President of the German association Euroregion Neisse and Head of Görlitz district council said that the rule of law is one of the building blocks of the EU. "I strongly regret the means used to apply pressure but in the CoR we need to talk about fact that that the rule of law is key for a healthy democracy." Sari Rautio, Member of Hämeenlinna City Council said that the rule of law is not only the matter of states and cities, but of all citizens.