Following negotiations between the two largest groups, an agreement has been reached to elect Kata Tüttő, Member of the Budapest Municipal Council as European Committee of the Regions (CoR) President for the first two-and-a-half years of the mandate, from now until mid-2027. JuanMa Moreno, President of the Government of Andalusia, who was unanimously elected by the EPP-CoR as Candidate for President of the CoR on 31 January, will assume the role of CoR First Vice-President and later serve as CoR President for the second half of the mandate, from mid-2027 to the end in 2030.
Sari Rautio, President of the EPP-CoR Group, emphasised the importance of the role, stating, "Starting tomorrow, you will embody the leadership of the CoR, taking on the responsibility and privilege of representing all the members of the Committee."
JuanMa Moreno, President of the Government of Andalusia, highlighted the need for ambition in the coming term, stating, "We are entering a new phase in which we must speak of ambition. This ambition is necessary both internally and in the face of the international situation. We know that we are at a crucial moment—almost a crossroads, I would dare to say."
He further underlined the importance of collaboration and consensus-building within the CoR: "From the CoR, it is essential that we, working alongside other political groups, succeed in taking this institution to a higher level—with ambition, but also with consensus and cooperation. Therefore, during this first period as First Vice President and later as President, my intention is to seek agreements, commitments, and work hand in hand with President Kata Tüttő."
Moreno also stressed the need for a strong and cohesive Europe, stating: "We need a strong, cohesive, and stable Europe with clear objectives. A Europe that is autonomous and has the resources to fulfill its policies. A Europe that tackles the major challenges of this legislature: A free and democratic Europe, A strong and secure Europe, And a prosperous and competitive Europe."
He concluded by calling for a greater role for regions and cities in shaping the European agenda: "To achieve this, our regions and cities must assume the leading role they deserve—and that is also their responsibility. They must influence legislative and executive decision-making in all areas of competence."
Kata Tüttő expressed her commitment to the role, stating, "I have been a local politician for two decades. This is the sphere I like, ever since I was elected at the age of 18. Our role as local leaders is to bring stability in the transition and transformation experienced by Europe. How do we deal with uncertainty? We can deliver stability through cooperation. We have to talk, listen to each other—cities to cities and regions to regions. We have to be stabilizers."
She further emphasized the importance of cohesion policy, adding, "Cohesion policy is the most stabilizing and important tool of the EU, and it requires our influence. We will do this together through cooperation."