Today marked the last CoR CIVEX Commission meeting chaired by Mark Speich. The EPP-CoR would like to thanks him for his exemplary and ground-breaking work as Chair in challenging times whilst wishing good luck to the new chair Vincenzo Bianco.
Cities and regions have a key role in rebuilding Ukraine
Jesús Gamallo Aller, Director-General for External Relations and Relations with the European Union, Region of Galicia said that the upcoming Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU will need to reflect on how the reconstruction of Ukraine is going to impact the future of Cohesion policy'
He added "We need to understand that Ukraine is a candidate country. This entails a paradigm shift. We must think about the reconstruction of the country and the mechanisms, grants and tools necessary in order for this to happen. Cooperation between Ukraine and European LRAs is crucial. This will also impact the future of the EU Cohesion policy as well. LRAs need to organise themselves in supporting Ukraine in fulfilling the requirement of EU accession."
EPP-CoR members to prepare key opinions on Eastern Partnership and Press Freedom
Alin-Adrian Nica, President of Timiş County Council (Romania) has been appointed by the CoR CIVEX Commission as Rapporteur on 'The Future of the Eastern Partnership from a local and regional perspective'. This will be key in shaping relations with regions and cities who wish to stand closer to EU values.
Mark Speich, Secretary of State for Federal, European and International Affairs (North Rhine-Westphalia), was appointed by the CoR CIVEX Commission as rapporteur for the Media Freedom Act. The EPP-CoR believes that press freedom is key for a functioning democracy and EPP-led local/regional authorities are committed to play their role to defend the rights of citizens to be informed.
EPP-CoR members to organise conferences on strengthening of local/regional democracy
Alin Nica has been entrusted to organise an external meeting and conference on ‘Strengthening the European citizenship by promoting European identity and democratic values’ to be held in Timişoara, Romania in the second half of 2023.
Gustaw Marek Brzezin, President of Warmińsko-Mazurskie Region (Poland) has been entrusted by the CoR CIVEX commission to organise an external seminar on ‘Disinformation - regional and local dimension’ to be held in Elbląg, Poland in May 2023.