The importance of fair competition and enforcement of free trade agreements, the topic of raw materials and reducing foreign dependency therein, and a nomination on the much anticipated Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act were the key issues discussed and decided by EPP-CoR members during an ECON commission meeting chaired by EPP-CoR member Michael Murphy. Further, members had a first discussion on next year's ECON priorities and considered the results of the CoR-OECD survey on the impact of COVID-19 on regions and cities
Eddy van Hijum, Member of the Council of the Province of Overijssel and CoR rapporteur on the SME strategy adopted in October, said that trade policy should be made more consistent with EU policy regarding industry, agriculture as well we the green and digital transition. He emphasised on the need to protect SMEs "Special attention should be paid to SMEs and family firms such as farmers. We can't lower our standards for food safety and sustainability. We need a level playing field and fair competition."
Franck Proust, President of Nîmes Métropole said that the absence of rules can lead to unfair competition on companies and can lead to risks for our citizens. Proust spoke on the need to strengthen enforcement. "When FTAs are signed a lot of work is done but it is important to enforce that agreement. Often FTA's are signed but there are not enough resources to enforce these agreements. We need FTAs which reflect EU standards."
Discussing the ECON commission work programme for 2021, EPP-CoR ECON Coordinator Eddy van Hijum said that it is important not just to rethink EU policies but also share experiences how cities and regions use EU programmes and help transform economies in a digital and sustainable way.
During the meeting, members also discussed the results of the CoR-OECD survey on the impact of COVID-19 on regions and cities. ECON Chair Michael Murphy said "I welcome the publication today of the joint CoR-OECD survey. Its timely results will help to make informed policy choices to support local and regional governments with tackling the results of the pandemic on their finances. We have been at the forefront to fight the effects that this unprecedented crisis has brought in front of us and as a result many local and regional governments suffered extreme financial pressures. All levels of government need to work together at this time to ensure that our recovery is sustainable, smooth and does not leave anyone behind". From his side, Ricardo Rio, Mayor of Braga said "The Covid-19 Pandemic has put LRAs to the test, but it also served to demonstrate the key role of LRAs to address challenges. The support given to local communities by municipalities, showed, more than ever, that it is important to provide LRAs with the necessary means to face global challenges, such as this pandemic".
The ECON Commission also appointed Ms. Rodi Kratsa, Governor of Ionian Islands Region Rapporteur on the Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act. Read more here.