The EPP Group in the Committee of the Regions (EPP-CoR) met today in preparation of the plenary session. During the meeting members held an exchange of views with the President of the European People's Party (EPP) Donald Tusk on multi-level governance and the need for the EU to evolve and renew its construction in a more democratic three-dimensional way to be better able to respond to the needs of citizens and crisis.
Olgierd Geblewicz, President of the Westpomeranian Region and President of EPP-CoR Group said that the two-dimensional model of Europe based on EU institutions and national governments has shown its limits. "Time has come to look towards the Future of Europe, its regions and cities with a new spirit. The EPP-CoR wants to see a reinforced role of the local/regional level within the European project."
President Tusk acknowledged the key role of villages, cities and regions including during the pandemic "Local and regional representatives play a crucial role in these times: it is often up to them to take concrete decisions on the ground, whether it concerns hospitals, schools, or local businesses. They are the ones who work the closest to the citizens and can better explain to them what Europe is doing for them."
ApostolosTzitzikostas, Governor of the region of Central Macedonia and President of the European Committee of the Regions spoke about the need to modernise European democracy. He added that Local and Regional Authorities (LRAs) represent the most trusted level of governance in the EU. He reiterated "If Europe wants to regain the trust of citizens, it needs to give a major role to local and regional leaders."
Several other members spoke about the key role cities and regions have to play in the decision making process. Emil Boc, Mayor of Cluj Napoca said that three dimensional politics is the only way to move forward. "All politics is at the end local so we can't put aside the local and regional dimension."
Franck Proust, Président of Nîmes Métropole said that the Future of Europe should be based on giving citizens a sense of belonging. "Sometimes Brussels seems too far but direct investments and support for cities and regions would make citizens feel closer to Europe." Mark Speich, Secretary of State for Federal, European and International Affairs, North Rhine-Westphalia and CIVEX chair said that the Conference on the Future of Europe is a chance to strengthen regions in Europe. He stressed "There is a climate for cooperation and we have to make use of that. Regions, municipalities and the CoR must have a stronger say in EU politics in the future."
Gaetano Armao, Vice-president, Region of Sicily said that Europe needs to ensure that the Covid-19 crisis is not used as a tool to centralise governance as this will weaken regions and the EU. EPP-CoR 1st Vice-President Jelena Drenjanin said that democracy is not a building but the people inside the building. "We need to move to a three-dimensional political system in Europe. LRAs have played a crucial role during the crisis. It is time to acknowledge this work." she added.