Measures to ensure cooperation in science, research, exchanges and climate action as well as the need to adjust the Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) and engage LRAs in its functioning were the key issues raised by EPP-CoR members during a debate on the EU-UK agreement and territorial consequences of BREXIT with Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London.
Mark Speich, Secretary of State, North Rhine-Westphalia and CIVEX Chair said that his region was already feeling the consequences of Brexit and said that uncertainty has had economic consequence and an impact on economic relations. Speich emphasized the need to collaboration in the field of science "Science thrives on exchange. The United Kingdom remains an attractive destination for European students and researchers, while exchanges with research institutions in other countries are an important pillar for the excellence of the British research landscape. Both sides must therefore have a fundamental interest in the continuation of these relations. The UK's future participation in EU science and research programs is of particular importance to ensure that the close cooperation and intensive exchanges of recent decades are not permanently damaged.”
Michael Murphy - Member of Tipperary County Council and ECON Chair said that continuing uncertainty is the last thing regions and SMEs in particular need as they continue to deal with the fallout of COVID-19. He spoke on the need of a close analysis on new trade patterns with the UK and that insisted that the BAR needs to be fine-tuned. He welcomed the agreement in principle between the Co-Chairs of the EU-UK Joint Committee concerning the Northern Irish Protocol. "This Reserve is not meant to be just a fisheries fund, but instead must be used to make sure all extra-exposed regions and sectors are financially supported."
Ellen Nauta-Van Moorsel, Mayor of the municipality of Hof van Twente said that LRAs should be involved in the rollout of the BAR. It is essential that the Reserve can be used in a fluid away to help alleviate the consequences in affected regions and sectors. Nauta-Van Moorsel warned that contingency planning is more important than ever. She added that despite all the good and intensive preparations in the EU, disruptions may occur. She recalled that The Netherlands had close economic ties with the UK and therefore a no deal scenario would have serious consequences for certain sectors and for local and regional economies. "We must prevent the rise of unemployment and bankruptcy of local and regional businesses," she concluded.
Rafał Trzaskowski, Mayor of Warsaw proposed the creation of a cooperation alliance with or without a deal for LRAs to continue cooperating on various issues including student exchanges and climate action. Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, Mayor of Gdańsk said that future collaboration with cities and regions in the UK will remain strong no matter how Brexit negotiations will turn out.