Four members of the EPP Group in the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) have been appointed rapporteurs for new opinions covering EU enlargement, the Arctic and democratic resilience against hybrid threats. The appointments were confirmed at the CIVEX Commission meeting on 10 November, placing local and regional authorities at the centre of discussions on some of Europe's most pressing geopolitical challenges.
The four rapporteurs will address the European Commission's 2026 Enlargement Package, the EU's new Arctic Strategy and the role of cities and regions in responding to hybrid threats, drawing on lessons from Ukraine.
Nikola Dobroslavić: EU enlargement to the Western Balkans and Türkiye
Nikola Dobroslavić (HR/EPP), Chair of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County Assembly, will lead the opinion on EU enlargement to the Western Balkans and Türkiye.
As Co-Chair of the CoR–Montenegro Joint Consultative Committee, Dobroslavić brings extensive experience in supporting EU integration and cooperation with local and regional authorities in candidate countries.
“EU regions and cities have consistently supported enlargement countries on their European path, while insisting that the criteria for EU membership must be fully met and advocating a merit-based approach, whereby the pace of accession depends on progress in fulfilling the required conditions,” he said.
The draft opinion is scheduled for discussion and adoption in CIVEX on 9 February 2027, followed by adoption at the CoR plenary session on 21–22 April 2027.
Arnoldas Abramavičius: EU enlargement to Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia
Arnoldas Abramavičius (LT/EPP), Councillor of Zarasai District Municipality Council, Lithuania, has been appointed rapporteur for the opinion on EU enlargement to Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia.
His work will focus on anchoring enlargement reforms at local and regional level and ensuring their long-term impact, including in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine.
“Reforms are central for the enlargement paths of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia. Our common efforts as regional and local authorities should be to make the necessary reforms far-reaching, profound and irreversible, despite the consequences of the war,” said Abramavičius.
He also intends to explore links between these reforms and the work of the upcoming Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the EU.
The draft opinion is scheduled for discussion and adoption in CIVEX on 9 February 2027, followed by adoption at the CoR plenary session on 21–22 April 2027.
Sari Rautio: New Arctic Strategy
Sari Rautio (FI/EPP), President of the EPP-CoR Group, has been appointed rapporteur for the opinion on the Northern Neighbourhood – New Arctic Strategy.
With climate change and growing security challenges increasing the Arctic's strategic importance, the opinion will highlight the opportunities and strengths of northern regions and their contribution to the EU as a whole.
“High North, high tension! There are three Arctic states in the European Union: Finland, Sweden and Denmark. More than 500,000 EU citizens live above the Arctic Circle. The influence of the Arctic region is growing within the EU and globally due to climate change and the security situation,” said Rautio.
“The goal is to highlight the opportunities and strengths of the northern regions for the entire EU,” she added, expressing her intention to work closely with shadow rapporteurs and Arctic regions.
The opinion is scheduled for an initial exchange of views in CIVEX on 9 February 2027, a vote on 14 April 2027, and final adoption at the CoR plenary session on 23–24 June 2027.
Aleksandra Dulkiewicz: Strengthening local democratic resilience
Aleksandra Dulkiewicz (PL/EPP), Mayor of Gdańsk, has been appointed rapporteur for the opinion on strengthening local democratic resilience in times of war and hybrid threats, drawing on lessons from Ukraine.
The opinion will explore practical solutions to help local and regional authorities counter disinformation, respond to hybrid threats and strengthen the resilience of their communities.
“Local and regional authorities are the closest to citizens and communities. They are also the most trusted among public authorities, therefore our role in strengthening resilience is crucial,” said Dulkiewicz.
Drawing on the experience of Ukrainian local authorities, she aims to develop simple, ready-to-use solutions that cities and regions across Europe can apply.
The opinion is scheduled for an initial exchange of views in CIVEX on 9 February 2027, a vote on 14 April 2027, and final adoption at the CoR plenary session on 23–24 June 2027.