"I fully understand the discontent of citizens who are anxious of what they will find in their next energy bill. Our families, our entrepreneurs, are asking for concrete solutions to these pressing problems. Hence why energy security and price stability are key for us. We as local and regional leaders want to lead by example, consuming less energy in public buildings and be more energy independent by producing more alternative energy. In my region, 80% of energy production comes from renewable sources." Olgierd Geblewicz EPP-CoR President and President of Westpomeranian Region (Poland) made these remarks during an event 'Boosting the local level' organised by the CoR.
Geblewicz said that the coming months will be a huge challenge for local economy and SMEs so it was vital to support them to protect local economies. He referred to the Brno declaration adopted by the EPP-CoR and stressed the need of direct funds for local and regional authorities implementing projects that accelerate energy transition in line with the RePowerEU Plan.
EPP cities and regions committed to support reconstruction through twinning
On the situation in Ukraine Geblewicz said "My Region has been at the forefront to host refuges and to send direct help to our partners in Ukraine. Our next step is to do our part in the reconstruction process." He recalled that the Brno Declaration adopted by the EPP-CoR reiterated the commitment of local and regional leaders to support the reconstruction process of Ukraine from the bottom up, including via the European Alliance of Cities and Regions and by revitalising twinning as a means to share know-how. He also referred to his meeting in Prague with Vitali Klitschko, Mayor of Kyiv and the pledge to keep on supporting Ukraine not only in the reconstruction process but also in its path to become an EU member state by reinforcing the local and regional level.
Democracy strongest at the local level
Speaking on the importance to strengthen democracy Geblewicz said that the situation in Ukraine was showing that democracy could not be taken for granted. "Ukrainians are fighting for democratic values and are paying with their lives and blood. We therefore have to protect these values across Europe."
Addressing youths he said that the best way to develop villages, cities and regions is through a mixture of energy and ideas from young people with the work of experienced elected representatives. He thus encouraged youths to be active, and get involved in local and regional politics which was not only the most trusted by citizens but also responsible for the implementation of 70% of EU law.