EPP Local and regional leaders convened in Brno to discuss challenges being faced by the local economy in times of crisis and the impact of the Russian aggression against Ukraine on energy and labour markets by boosting innovation.
In his Opening remarks Olgierd Geblewicz, President of the EPP-CoR Group and President of West Pomerania Region spoke on the role cities and regions can play to respond to the energy crisis, with his region clearly leading by example with almost 80% of energy production coming from renewable sources. "I believe that our role as regional and local leaders, starts with leading by example by reducing energy consumption in our public buildings, lowering heating temperature in winter and shifting to - and even producing - as much as possible clean energy. I fully understand the discontent of citizens who are exasperated by continued emergencies, and who are anxious of what they will find in their next energy bill. Our families, our entrepreneurs, ask for concrete solutions to these pressing problems."
Referring to the war in Ukraine, Jan Grolich, President of South Moravian Region said that standing on the right side comes at a cost. "We feel it most in terms of energy prices. Regional governments must manage this situation and ensure the functioning of key institutions and services. Cooperation with national governments and at EU level is key to this."
Roman Línek, Vice-President of Pardubice Region said "It is our duty to ensure that fears of citizens do not materialise. The way to overcome this fear is partly through innovation. It is key for our companies to maintain their competitiveness in global markets."
Manfred Weber, President of the EPP and Chairman of the EPP Group in the European Parliament also joined the event. He said that the EPP and the EU had managed to give a proper answer to the war in Ukraine. He stressed that the war in Ukraine is about values, and a choice between freedom and dictatorship. Referring to the energy sector he said "Local and regional communities have to benefit from the RePowerEU Plan. Only by working together and through solidarity we can build a solid European Energy market. We as EPP stand for a winter of solidarity between the citizens and between the Member States."
Marian Jurecka, Deputy Prime Minister of the Czech Republic and Minister of Labour and Social Affairs said "We are facing a difficult situation with the flow of refugees fleeing to Czech. We created ways in which they can swiftly register and receive the needed support. I have to say that they are eager to work, most of all they want to be able to go back home as soon as possible."
Radim Sršeň, Deputy Minister for Regional Development and Mayor of the Municipality of Dolní Studénky outlined that any kind of innovation must be a bottom-up approach so that people feel engaged in the process and have ownership, especially if this concerns rural areas. He stressed that rural areas are not just about agriculture but also about SMEs. In this regard he said "We need to establish business incubators in rural areas to boost innovation. This is key to generate jobs and attract people back to rural areas. Innovation, research and support of SMEs are key in local development and go hand in hand."
Joining the event was also Vadym Boychenko, Mayor of Mariupol. He said "Our city has been destroyed, but they can't destroy our moral. We are already planning how to rebuild our city and make it a symbol of democracy and renovation. Together with our European partners we will reconstruct Mariupol." He thanked the City of Gdansk in particular for the support being provided. The Brno Declaration reiterated the commitment of EPP 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.
Cities and regions supporting integration of Ukranians in labour market
Jelena Drejanin, EPP-CoR 1st Vice-president spoke on the importance of education in times of crisis. "We have to invest in education and training for people coming from Ukraine no matter their age. When they return home, they will be equipped with new skills and ensure a stronger and more resilient #Ukraine. They will also in the meantime enrich our country."
Emil Boc, Mayor of Cluj-Napoca spoke on various efforts by Cluj and several NGOs to support refugees. "At the local level, we are approaching this crisis like a marathon of support not a sprint. We have 4000 Ukrainians integrated in labour market thanks to the support of local agencies offering support including legal advice and translation of documents." He also called for fresh money so as not to leave a negative impact on cohesion policy.
Michaela Šojdrová, Member of the European Parliament and Vice-chair of the CULT committee spoke on the need of a free press in times of crisis. "The impact of disinformation and fake news is very well felt and present in the digital world. We need a platform where all our citizens can verify and validate all the information that is flooding our news and social media, especially in times of crisis."
Alena Krejčí, Director of the Centre for Foreigners spoke on free legal consultations offered for Ukrainian refugees, access to job market and language courses to help them to integrate. She added "Through cooperation between NGOs and public institutions we were able to create a good system to help all refugees that reached our region."
Regions as hubs for innovation
Local and regional leaders reiterated their commitment to foster innovation-oriented policies and encourage effective investments in innovation and research to enhance competitiveness, protect citizens and support local economies.
Markku Markkula, President of Helsinki Region said that cities and city-driven regions are the drivers of the transformation. "We Espoo and Helsinki Region will be carbon neutral by 2030. We will increase the research and development investments above five percent of the GDP. Furthermore, we will work on co-creating new European partnerships. Our needs and can only be met together by the industry, academia, and citizens. These are my targets together with the other EPP-driven cities and regions."
Thomas Schmidt, Minister for Regional Development, Free State of Saxony said "Only with an innovative and competitive economy will the EU be able to represent its values in the world and to preserve prosperity. Only innovative regions are resilient regions, because they remain capable of acting even under difficult conditions. This is why I have made innovation-based regional development the guiding principle of my actions. "
Miroslav Janovsky, Head of the Department of Development of the Pardubice Region said that the main foreseen project is the establishment of an innovation center. He spoke on the 5 universities in the region and how thanks to EU funds universities and business are cooperating to develop materials and new products putting the region at the forefront of innovation.
Petr Chládek, Director of the South Moravian Innovation Centre said "Until 20 years ago Brno had 20% unemployment rate with a very low economic development. Through European funds and smart investment in innovation and research we became a very attractive area for SMEs, companies and startups that led Brno to one of the most developed areas."
EPP Local and regional leaders discussed how cities and regions can help to respond to the energy crisis by lowering consumption and committed to produce local renewable energy. Whilst in Brno, a city which is hub for innovation, they discussed the role innovation can play to deliver results for people and to ensure that SMEs remain competitive. Local and regional leaders also adopted the Brno Declaration clearly stating that they do not recognise any mayor, city council or any local 'representative' appointed by the occupying forces in Ukraine. Furthermore, they called for direct funds for local and regional authorities for migration and integration as well as for the implementation of projects that accelerate the energy transition in line with the RePowerEU Plan. The event was hosted by Jan Grolich, President of South Moravian Region and Roman Línek, Vice-President of Pardubice Region and moderated by Emma Blain, Councillor, Dun Laoghaire, Rathdown County Council.