Equality, inclusion and the protection of family rights are essential to building stronger communities, increasing Europe's competitiveness and reinforcing social resilience. This was the message delivered by Sari Rautio (FI/EPP), President of the EPP Group in the European Committee of the Regions, during an EPPride event hosted at the European Committee of the Regions in Brussels.
The event gathered EPP Pride Members from all across Europe in the framework of the European Week of Regions and Cities. It provided an opportunity to discuss the Committee's opinion on LGBTQ+ rights adopted this year following the publication of the European Commission’s LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy 2026–2030. Prepared by EPP Rapporteur Susanne Wahlström (SE/EPP), the CoR opinion stresses the role of local and regional authorities in promoting equality, and the importance of translating European commitments into practical action.
Presenting the opinion at the EPP Pride event, Rautio highlighted the EPP Group's contribution to shaping the Committee's position and securing broad political support for its adoption. She welcomed the work of the rapporteur coming from the EPP Group in the European Committee of the Regions and the constructive discussions and hearings that contributed to the final text. "We need all people equally included to do that," Rautio said, referring to the need to strengthen Europe's competitiveness and resilience.
Rautio outlined several priorities reflected in the opinion, including protecting LGBTQ+ people from discrimination, violence and hatred, promoting equal opportunities, strengthening social cohesion and ensuring the protection of family rights across Europe.
She stressed that inclusion is not only a question of fundamental rights but also an important factor in economic development and social resilience. Referring to the rise of populism and divisions within communities, she underlined the importance of ensuring that everyone feels included and has the opportunity to contribute to society. Family rights were another central element of her intervention. Drawing on her experience in Hämeenlinna, Finland's first child-friendly city, Rautio emphasised the importance of recognising and protecting different family structures. "The protection of all kinds of families is definitely the key issue," she said.
Helge Ytterøy L'orange, President of EPPride, the LGBTIQ+ network of the European People's Party, praised the work carried out by the EPP Group in the European Committee of the Regions and welcomed the constructive dialogue during the preparation of the opinion. L'orange particularly highlighted two elements: the recognition that diversity and inclusion strengthen economic competitiveness and social resilience, and the protection of family rights across national borders. He stressed the importance of the Committee's support for cross-border family rights, particularly for same-sex couples and rainbow families in European countries that do not recognise same-sex marriage or certain family structures. Describing the Committee's position, L'orange said: "It's a very, very strong message from the ground floor around in Europe." He also welcomed the fact that several points raised by EPPride during earlier discussions had been reflected in the adopted opinion, demonstrating the value of cooperation between European political networks and local and regional representatives.
Turning European commitments into local action
The discussion also showcased EPPride's efforts to provide practical tools for local politicians and municipalities. An EPPride representative presented work on a handbook bringing together good practices from local governments and political parties. The initiative aims to help elected representatives develop their own strategies and action plans in five areas: youth and education, sport and culture, healthcare, elderly care and public safety. The handbook includes detailed examples of local initiatives, alongside additional good practices collected through conferences, demonstrating how local authorities can turn commitments to equality into concrete measures for citizens.
Concluding her intervention, Rautio underlined that the adoption of the opinion represents an important achievement, but that the next challenge is ensuring its implementation across Europe. "This is an opinion that has been approved by the whole CoR. So I'm proud of this work, led by an EPP rapporteur. But it's just, of course, the beginning. Now we have to deliver it, turning the ambition into concrete actions in all territories all around Europe," she said.