To mark the celebrations of the 30 years anniversary of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), local and regional representatives on 20 November reflected on key achievements and debated the strengthening of the assembly’s role in the institutional and political architecture of the EU during the last Plenary Session of the year.
Being the voice of over a million local and regional elected representatives across the EU, the CoR reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the EU's democratic legitimacy by ensuring that policies and decisions are taken in partnership with local and regional authorities and taking into account the diverse territorial realities in Europe. Looking forward, members adopted a resolution calling for ambitious reforms of the EU to reflect this need.
Members of the CoR highlighted decades of successful contributions and political impact, notably through the development of cohesion policy. Members focused on the enhanced possibilities, emerging from the renewed cooperation agreements with the European Parliament and the European Commission as ways to deliver more effective policies and reinforcing the contribution of the CoR to inter-institutional negotiations. Local and regional representatives also aim to strengthen the principles of active subsidiarity and proportionality and advocate for a greater role in implementing the European Green Deal and territorial cohesion, ensuring these policies are place-based.
President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, said “Today, we celebrate 30 years of the Committee of the Regions – 30 years of connecting citizens to their institutions and building a more ambitious, cohesive, local Union. Looking ahead to the next 30 years, we must build on our successes and go even further: Building a Europe that's closer to its people, has a stronger local and social fabric and that offers solutions from the ground up."
In her message, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, underlined that “For 30 years now, you have built Europe. Today we celebrate not only the achievements of the Committee of the Regions, but also the essential role of local and regional politics in the lives of European families, workers and communities. Regions will continue to be at the heart of Europe's policymaking, being in shaping our new Preparedness Union, to safeguard our communities from hybrid threats or extreme weather, or in crafting our European Affordable Housing Plan to support the millions of young people and families who are struggling. The future of Europe can only be built together with you. And the same is true for the future of our Cohesion Policy.”
CoR First Vice-President Apostolos Tzitzikostas (EL/EPP), who served as CoR president in 2020-22, said: “Together we have shared an amazing journey. And together, we made it, more than just about policy and politics. We made it about connection, trust, and service to the people. From the beginning of my term as President, we faced unprecedented challenges. We navigated a global pandemic, economic uncertainty, and a turbulent geopolitical landscape. But it was through these challenges that we proved the strength of our committee, and the importance of our mission, to strengthen the voices of cities and regions in Brussels and in Strasbourg. I am really proud of what we achieved.”
Jacques Blanc, former president of the CoR said "Jacques Delors, like us, believed in the need for a link between European institutions and local communities. Here at the CoR regions we have created a body which was recognized by the Commission 30 years ago. Now we are supported by the Commission, by the Parliament, not as competitors but as politicians who work together.
Franz Schausberger, Representative of the State Parliament of Salzburg, highlighted that "We need to strengthen regions and cities, particularly in times of crisis. Not just in terms of financial and material support, but also by ensuring the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality are respected throughout our Union."
"The activity of the CoR has brought the EU closer to its citizens. Looking ahead, we must ensure that actions are turned into visible results, that the voice of regions and municipalities reaches Europe, and funds like #NextGenerationEU deliver tangible benefits for people and territories" said Gonzalo Capellán de Miguel, President of the Government of La Rioja.
"Today we celebrate 30 years of the Committee of the Regions, the main advocate of the interests of the regions in Europe. While the CoR has already achieved a lot, it is time to strengthen its status within the institutional structure of the EU." said Eric Beißwenger, Minister of State, Bavarian State Government.
Maria Isabel Urrutia de los Mozos, Regional Minister for the Presidency, Home Affairs, Justice, Security and Administrative simplification in the Government of Cantabria talked about the achieved milestones in strengthening relationships with the Parliament and increasing influence in the decision-making process. "We must continue working together so that the voice of the regions is heard even louder, and our opinions have binding power."
Adam Struzik, President of Mazovia Region, highlighted that "The CoR allows us to draw knowledge and inspiration, and for us to share our views with each other. The CoR must continue to work to have an impact on key EU policies and ensure a successful future for Europe."
"We've faced challenges, risks, and obstacles, which demanded us to become stronger. We are the bridge between citizens and politicians; here, citizens are represented. Institutions are at the heart of democracies, and we need a federal commitment to strengthen them even more." said Alex Dorrow, Member of Bavarian State Parliament.
Arno Kompatscher, President of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano said "Thank you to the CoR for the great contribution to overcome national perspectives, the EU is more than a union of homogenous countries, it is a mix of regions and local communities with very different conditions. We need to adapt to these differences through inclusive and fair policies."
Sari Rautio, Member of Hämeenlinna City Council highlighted that "We need to strengthen the value base of Europe in a rapidly changing world. Democracy, rule of law and equality – we must work together as the CoR to advance these values."