"The contribution of regional and local authorities, must be an integral part of the design and implementation of the resilience and recovery plans. This means nothing more and nothing less than the full application of active subsidiarity and partnership principles." Olgierd Geblewicz, President of West Pomerania Region and President of the EPP-CoR Group made these remarks during a debate on the European Commission 2021 Work Programme and the first EU strategic foresight report with the participation of Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-president of the European Commission for Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight.
Geblewicz said that next year will be critical in providing the right solutions for a resilient recovery and preparedness for the future. The 2021 Work Programme sets the framework for the latter to happen in a sufficient manner. He added that a crucial element for success will be an improved coordination and solidarity between all levels of governance in the European Union. This will ensure proper implementation of new policies as well as coherent and efficient responses to the health crisis.
Geblewicz who is also the rapporteur for the opinion on 'Cross-border health threats and the New mandate of European Disease Control Agency (ECDC) said that local and regional authorities have been at the front line, protecting EU citizens from the consequences of the pandemic. He recalled that many regions in the EU, including his region West Pomerania, have significant responsibilities in the field of public health, such as management of hospitals and care facilities, as well as the design of health prevention strategies. In this regard Geblewicz stressed "It is therefore essential to involve regional and local authorities in preparing the European response to serious health threats, including cross-border threats." Geblewicz concluded by insisting on the need to jointly coordinate services and develop capacities to protect citizens with similar resources and means across Europe.