EPP-CoR members called for engagement of local and regional authorities, the swift use of recovery instruments by reducing bureaucracy, investment in health and to fight disparities between regions during a debate on resilience and recovery with Paolo Gentiloni Commissioner for Economy
Commissioner Gentiloni ensured local and regional leaders of an inclusive approach. "Recovery and resilience plans can only be a success if national government work together closely with all relevant authorities across the country. We have therefore strongly insisted that member states ensure a thorough involvement if all stakeholders including local and regional authorities."
Michael Murphy, ECON Commission Chair and Councillor at Tipperary County Council said that financial resources are not enough on their own. "To make Next Generation EU a success, a multi-level approach grounded in partnership with Europe's regions, towns and cities is necessary. Solidarity and responsibility go hand in hand and that's how we shape the sustainable recovery we want to see."
Birgitta Sacrédeus member of Dalarna County Council and Rapporteur for the EU Health Emergency Mechanism spoke about the importance of investment in health care "The pandemic clearly demonstrated the importance of qualified and well-trained staff and well-funded, well-equipped and robust healthcare systems".
Franz Schausberger from the State Parliament of Salzburg spoke about the need to involve regions and cities in projects. He added "We need to ensure that differences between regions are not widened because of the pandemic. Bureaucracy must be kept as low as possible to facilitate use of means available". Sergio Caci Mayor of Montalto di Castro spoke about the need of more relationships between the EU and national/local level to ensure adequate guidance for the uptake and use of recovery funds.
Franck Proust President of Nîmes outlined three key factors for recovery: consistency, speed (reducing bureaucracy) and competitiveness by supporting #SMEs. Emphasising on speed, Mauro Zanin, President and Member of the Regional Council of Friuli-Venezia Giulia said that recovery instruments must arrive swiftly in order to help cities and regions come out of the crisis.
Gaetano Armao, Vice-President of the Region of Sicily said that the European recovery must take into consideration the issue of insularity. "We need to address equality gaps such as digital and social aspects. Furthermore, we need to invest in connectivity such as the Bridge of Messina" he concluded.