"The Recovery Plan is ambitious and forward looking. Next Generation EU plans will be a success if discussed, agreed and delivered with villages, cities and regions. Regional and local authorities must be placed at the heart of the EU recovery!" Olgierd Geblewicz - President of the Westpomeranian Region and President of EPP-CoR Group made this appeal to the European Commissioner for crisis management, Janez Lenarčičduring during a debate on COVID-19 crisis manageemnt and recovery plan.
Alberto Cirio, President of Piedemont and Rapporteur of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism said "When one country or a small region is hit, this problem should be a European problem and Europe must be present." He added that the will work to make necessary changes in the mechanism.
Birgitta Sacrédeus, member of Dalarna County Council and European Committee of the Regions Rapporteur for the opinion on a Health Emergency Mechanism for Europe said that the COVID-19 crisis has highlighted how vital the the ECDC is. "Local and regional authorities, Member States and the European Commission must work together to strengthen and develop its role in combating major health sicknesses and pandemics."
Donato Toma, President of Molise said that regions need to receive funds from national governments and the EU on time. He reiterated "Speed is of the essence here! We need to remove red tape and bureaucracy."
EPP member also spoke on the need to boost the economy and have a comeback form Europe. Christopher Drexler, member of the Styria State Government in Austria said "In Styria, the industry relies on cross border cooperation and therefore it is essential to re-establish Schengen as soon as possible in order to help our SME's and industry." Barbara Hegedűs, member of the local government of Veszprém appealed for more support for local governments and civil society whilst Ellen Nauta-Van Moorsel, Mayor of Hof van Twente emphasised that all levels of government need to work together.