The European People's Party Group in the European Committee of the Regions (EPP-CoR) has announced its leadership team responsible for guiding the work of the group in CoR commissions during the new mandate. The appointed members will play a crucial role in shaping EU policies with a regional and local dimension while ensuring that the EPP-CoR Group's voice is effectively represented.
Commission for Territorial Cohesion Policy and EU Budget (COTER):
1st Vice-Chair: Emil Boc (Mayor of Cluj-Napoca, RO)
EPP-CoR Coordinator: Ivan Žagar (Mayor of the Municipality of Slovenska Bistrica, SI)
COTER will focus on the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), addressing President von der Leyen's objectives of a more focused, simplified, and impactful budget. Cohesion policy remains a priority, with concerns over potential centralization risks in the upcoming legislative proposals expected by the end of 2025.
Commission for Economic Policy (ECON):
Chair: Alberto Cirio (President of the Piedmont Region, IT)
EPP-CoR Coordinator: Pehr Granfalk (Councillor of Solna Municipality, SE)
ECON will closely follow the implementation of the Draghi and Letta reports over the next five years. Key files include the Omnibus Simplification, the AI Continent Initiative, a New State Aid Framework, and the revision of Public Procurement. The commission will also contribute to discussions on the MFF, particularly regarding the Competitiveness Fund and Competitiveness Coordination Tool.
Commission for Natural Resources (NAT):
Chair: Piotr Całbecki (Marshal of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region, PL)
Vice-Chair: Fernando López Miras (President of the Region of Murcia, ES)
EPP-CoR Coordinator: Thibaut Guignard (Mayor of Plœuc-l’Hermitage, FR)
NAT will focus on the Vision for Agriculture and Food, guiding legislative proposals for the post-2027 CAP. Other priorities include consolidating the European Health Union and continuing work on rural policy and civil protection.
Commission for the Environment, Climate Change, and Energy (ENVE):
Chair: Kostas Bakoyannis (Leader of the opposition of Athens, EL)
EPP-CoR Coordinator: Mirjam Sterk (Regional Minister of Utrecht, NL)
ENVE will oversee the Fit for 55 package implementation and contribute to the Clean Industrial Deal, focusing on energy affordability and climate adaptation. Key topics include water resilience, the Circular Economy Act, the Polluter Pays Principle, and preparations for COP30.
Commission for Citizenship, Governance, Institutional and External Affairs (CIVEX):
Vice-Chair: Frank Proust (President of Nîmes Métropole, FR)
EPP-CoR Coordinator: Arnoldas Abramavičius (Zarasai District Municipality Councillor, LT)
CIVEX will address regulatory simplifications through the Competitiveness Compass and the Omnibus Package. The commission will also play a key role in migration policy discussions, particularly regarding the New Common Approach on Returns. Additionally, CIVEX will coordinate pre-Enlargement policy reviews and engage in debates on democracy protection and disinformation as part of the European Democracy Shield.
Commission for Social Policy, Education, Employment, Research, and Culture (SEDEC):
1st Vice-Chair: Tanya Hristova (Mayor of Gabrovo, BG)
Vice-Chair: Csaba Borboly (President of Harghita County Council, RO)
EPP-CoR Coordinator: Emma Blain (Mayor of Dublin, IE)
SEDEC will oversee key social policy initiatives, including the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan, EU anti-poverty strategy, and strategies on vocational education and intergenerational fairness. The commission is also engaged in the MFF discussions, particularly regarding Horizon Europe, InvestEU, ERDF, and the Innovation Fund. Affordable housing and social rights remain priorities, with COTER leading housing policy discussions in this mandate.
The EPP-CoR leadership team remains committed to ensuring that regional and local perspectives are well-represented in EU policymaking during this crucial mandate.