Europe’s future competitiveness depends on empowering regions, safeguarding a strong Cohesion Policy, and ensuring that local and regional authorities are fully involved in shaping, implementing and evaluating EU policies. These were the key messages delivered by Sari Rautio, President of the EPP-CoR, during the 30th Europa-Forum Wachau in Austria, where European political leaders, regional representatives and policymakers gathered to discuss the future of Europe under the theme “Shaping the Future of Europe: For a prosperous and united European Union.”
The discussions took place against the backdrop of ongoing negotiations on the European Union’s next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and the future of Cohesion Policy after 2027. Regional leaders used the forum to underline the importance of maintaining a strong place-based approach in EU policymaking and funding.
Speaking during the event, Rautio stressed the importance of cooperation between Europe’s regions and the need to ensure that local and regional authorities are fully involved in shaping Europe’s future. “Europe’s strength lies in the depth and diversity. I want to thank the Power Regions, who decided to work together, make a statement, understanding that co-operation and dialogue helps everyone. We should also not forget the people, the human beings that are carrying and shaping the local culture – and often these heritage sectors are the social fabric in many places, the regions are closest to citizens,” Rautio said.
Addressing the future EU budget negotiations, she emphasised the importance of preserving a strong territorial dimension in European policymaking. “The most relevant thing in future MFF is the true place-based orientation. If and when we want Europe to be competitive and working with all its engines, we need to use all the resources we have – and that means we can not only act, but we have to be involved in all steps – planning, acting and also evaluating,” she said.
Rautio also highlighted the need for stronger safeguards for regional involvement in EU governance and funding mechanisms. “This is why we are proposing subsidiarity clause and legislative regional checks that means that if LRAs are not involved in NRPPs – the plans are not valid,” she added.
At the conclusion of the forum, participating regions adopted the Göttweig Declaration, a joint political declaration calling for:
• a stronger role for regions in the future EU Cohesion Policy as essential drivers of innovation;
• a protected and ring-fenced cohesion budget in the next MFF supporting all categories of regions;
• stronger multilevel governance and subsidiarity, including dedicated regional chapters within national plans;
• simplification and reduction of administrative burdens;
• greater support for innovation and SMEs; and
• a more competitive and resilient European Union built on regional strengths.
The declaration argues that Europe’s competitiveness and strategic autonomy depend on empowering regions and maintaining a strong place-based approach to policymaking and investment.
Sari Rautio signed the Göttweig Declaration in her capacity as Vice-President of the Häme Regional Council, together with representatives from several European regions and governments.