The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) has officially elected Juanma Moreno, President of the Government of Andalusia, as its First Vice-President, as part of a leadership agreement that will see him assume the CoR Presidency from mid-2027 until the end of the mandate in 2030. Moreno, who was unanimously elected as the EPP’s Candidate-President on 31 January, will serve alongside Kata Tüttő, Member of the Budapest Municipal Council, who will hold the position of CoR President for the first two-and-a-half years of the mandate, from now until mid-2027. The leadership rotation agreement reflects the shared governance between the two major political groups in the CoR, with the first half of the mandate (2025-2027) led by Kata Tüttő from the Party of European Socialists (PES), followed by Juanma Moreno of the European People's Party (EPP) for the second half (2027-2030).
Speaking at the plenary session in Brussels, Juanma Moreno reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening regional governance within the European Union and enhancing cooperation among local and regional authorities. “It is an honour to take on this responsibility and to represent regional and local governments at the highest level in the European Union. We are facing critical challenges, including economic competitiveness, climate change, migration, and the future of EU cohesion policy. Our regions and cities must play a central role in shaping Europe's future,” said Moreno.
Highlighting the importance of cooperation and consensus, Moreno underscored his personal commitment to five years of dialogue and shared governance within the CoR. “We need a Europe that is strong, cohesive, and stable, one that fosters innovation while maintaining its commitment to sustainability and social inclusion. The CoR must continue to be a driving force for regional development, ensuring that our voices are heard at the highest levels of EU policymaking,” he added.
During his tenure as First Vice-President, Moreno will focus on boosting the competitiveness of European regions, defending regional autonomy in the EU’s future budget, and promoting a cohesive, democratic, and sustainable Europe. “Regional and local governments are key partners in delivering the EU’s priorities. My goal is to ensure that our policies reflect the realities on the ground and that we strengthen the role of the CoR as an essential bridge between the EU institutions and its citizens.” Moreno concluded.
Regarding the next Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034, Moreno stated that cohesion policy faces a crucial stage in shaping future European funds, which must be useful for regional and local development policies. “We must ensure that regions continue to play a central role in managing these funds. We must remain vigilant against signals pointing towards the centralisation of their management. We, as CoR members, must defend the decision-making capacity of regional and local governments regarding cohesion policy,” he stressed.
On the fight against climate change, Moreno emphasised that sustainable adaptation and mitigation must be the pillars on which the CoR intensifies its efforts. “I am committed to strengthening the CoR’s voice within the EU Delegation at COP to ensure we are recognised as full-fledged stakeholders in negotiations that are crucial for Europe,” he declared. He also prioritised the clean energy transition, particularly in small villages. “We must focus on local energy production and green innovation while ensuring that production costs are not passed on to citizens,” he affirmed.
On the Common Agricultural Policy, Moreno insisted that it must be more decentralised and connected to rural development and food security strategies. He also stressed the need to ensure water availability in regions and cities through investment in infrastructure. “Water is not only a concern for southern Europe but also for central and northern regions due to climate change. Without water, there is neither life nor economic activity, nor can we compete on equal terms,” he stated.
Regarding migration, Moreno called for a structured approach. “We must advance towards a model of orderly and regular immigration while continuing to combat human trafficking networks. As Andalusia is Europe’s southern border, we experience this challenge daily. Let us remember that migrant integration always begins at the local level, as it is up to us to integrate them. That is why we need proper funding,” he said.
About the European Committee of the Regions
The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) is the EU's assembly of local and regional representatives, providing a voice for cities and regions in EU policymaking. It is composed of 329 members from all 27 EU Member States and works to ensure that local and regional interests are taken into account in the legislative process of the European Union.