EPP-CoR Adopts the Valencia Declaration: A Regional Roadmap for a Resilient Europe
At the EPP Congress held today in Valencia, the European People's Party Group in the European Committee of the Regions (EPP-CoR) formally adopted the Valencia Declaration: A Multi-Level Approach to Security – A Regional Roadmap for a Resilient Europe.
In response to the growing complexity of threats facing the EU – including cyberattacks, disinformation, hybrid warfare, natural disasters, and health emergencies – the Declaration sets out a shared vision for strengthening Europe’s preparedness through multi-level governance, strategic investment, and societal engagement.
Speaking at the event, EPP-CoR President Sari Rautio said:
"Resilience begins at the local level. With the Valencia Declaration, we are making it clear that cities and regions are not just responders, but essential actors in Europe's collective security."
The Declaration, signed by regional and local representatives from across the EU, lays out 12 concrete commitments:
- Empower Local and Regional Authorities in EU security planning with stronger roles, investments in early warning systems, and real-time risk monitoring.
- Build Resilience from the Ground Up by strengthening local infrastructure, ensuring essential services, and civil protection.
- Recognise the Specific Vulnerabilities of island and outermost regions and tailor EU support accordingly.
- Integrate Civil Protection, Cybersecurity, and Crisis Management at all levels for more coordinated and interoperable systems.
- Advance a Societal Approach to Security by involving citizens, businesses, academia, and civil society as active participants.
- Prioritise Climate and Environmental Security, treating droughts, wildfires, and floods as strategic risks.
- Bring Forward a Comprehensive EU Health Security Strategy to address cross-border health threats and biohazards.
- Promote Innovation and Support Regional Security Ecosystems through research, SMEs, and EU funding.
- Enhance Education, Training, and Public Awareness in security and crisis preparedness.
- Ensure Accessible and Flexible Funding to help all regions, especially vulnerable ones, invest in resilience.
- Foster Cross-border and Interregional Cooperation, including joint stress tests and crisis exercises.
- Reinforce International Partnerships, including with NATO and the UN, while building Europe's autonomous response capacity.
The Declaration emphasises that no region should be left behind and calls for the creation of a European Security and Resilience Action Plan to provide dedicated funding, clarify roles, and ensure a coordinated, inclusive response to future crises.
With this step, the EPP-CoR reaffirms its commitment to working across borders and governance levels to build a safer, stronger, and more resilient Europe for all citizens.