On the initiative of EPP-CoR member Eddy van Hijum, the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) Commission for Economic Policy (ECON) held its meeting in Zwolle, the Netherlands. Eddy van Hijum, Member of the Council of the Province of Overijssel said that in the Netherlands, nearly 70% of businesses are family businesses, with the share being even larger in Overijssel. "SMEs and family businesses, together with governments and knowledge institutions, can take a pioneering role in tackling major societal challenges."
He added that Overijssel had many inspiring examples of small businesses who create solutions for a smart and sustainable industry. "One such example is Van Wijhe, a local family-run paint company which is a frontrunner in sustainability. Another example is Perron038, the innovation centre for the manufacturing industry in the Zwolle region, which is a cooperation between high-tech companies and knowledge and research organisations facilitating innovative projects focused on R&D."
Recovery funds can only reach SMEs with the engagement of LRAs
Rob Jonkman, Alderman of the municipality of Opsterland said that local and regional authorities (LRAs) are crucial partners for the implementation of Recovery Plans. "These plans are supposed to boost public investment but we, cities and regions, are responsible for 53% of public investment in the EU. Besides, we have key remits to implement the twin transition, for instance in waste and water management, mobility, urban policies. In many Member States we are lagging behind in terms of engagement of LRAs in recovery plans, but it is never too late and there is still an opportunity to better engage LRAs in the further implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), so let us join forces, look ahead and cooperate together on the national, local/regional and European level.”
Implementation of SDGs needs to be place-based
Ricardo Rio, Mayor of Braga said that while the European Commission has responsibility for the SDGs, better policy alignment is needed, especially between SDGs and the National Recovery and Resilience Plans (NRRPs). He added that the European Semester needs better implementation adapted to the new post COVID-19 realities. "As we are confronted with many economic challenges, there is a narrative that SDGs are no longer an appropriate tool. But this is not the case. SDGs are a template for recovery."
He added that concrete action is needed to fulfil better goals. "The role of LRAs is clear for implementation, with public investment done by LRAs to the level of 50%. The alignment with national and local reviews, and the national and local strategies is needed. The big question is how we can structure an SDGs enforcement strategy. The United Nations 2023 Summit is a clear milestone."
Michael Murphy, member of Tipperary County Council said that from the EPP perspective, the financing of the SDGs is a key question. "There is a massive financing gap not only in the developing world but within the EU also. We should see how to collaborate with the EIB in this regard. Our CoR-EIB Action Plan does include reference to the SDGs and we could envisage an event on this with the EIB to see what is available for LRAs to become better equipped in human and financial resources to implement the SDGs."