EPP-CoR President Sari Rautio and the Governor of the South Aegean Region, Georgios Chatzimarkos, met with the EPP Group’s Young Elected Politicians (YEPs) at the Regional Office in Rhodes for an exchange on Europe’s future priorities and the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
President Rautio thanked the YEPs for their valuable contributions over the past months, highlighting their active engagement in discussions on key topics ranging from housing policy to the future of the EU budget. During the meeting, the YEPs shared their perspectives on the next MFF and the importance of ensuring that EU funding remains accessible and impactful at local and regional level.
Hendrik Jensen, Member of the Hamburg-Wandsbek District Assembly (Germany), stressed the importance of avoiding excessive centralisation and “cherry-picking” in funding opportunities, underlining the need for fair access to EU support for local and regional authorities.
Kevin Klinkspoor, Municipal Councillor of Westland (Netherlands), spoke about the economic strengths of his municipality, particularly its horticulture sector, and highlighted local investments in an innovation campus. He stressed that the future MFF must safeguard prosperity while supporting innovation and competitiveness.
Francesco Toro, Municipal Councillor of Giffoni Valle Piana (Italy), emphasised the need for the MFF to better support SMEs and young entrepreneurs. He noted that while many young entrepreneurs have ideas and ambition, excessive bureaucracy often stifles investment and limits access to EU funding opportunities.
Bridget Anne, City Councillor of Ronneby Municipality (Sweden), underlined the importance of placing gender equality at the heart of the future MFF. While the EU budget must continue addressing major challenges such as climate change, she stressed the need to ensure gender mainstreaming across all policies and funding programmes. She also highlighted the importance of guaranteeing the “right to stay” so that young people are not forced to leave rural areas in search of opportunities elsewhere.
Sergii Kolotylo, Secretary and Councillor of Kuty Town Council (Ukraine), stressed that the MFF is crucial not only for the reconstruction of Ukraine, but also for the country’s survival. He also highlighted the importance of engaging young people and creating the conditions necessary for them to remain in Ukraine and contribute to its future.
Eemi Vaherlehto, Municipal Councillor of Tuusula Municipality (Finland), contributed to the discussion on the future of Europe and the role of young local and regional leaders in shaping EU policies that respond to the realities faced by communities across the continent.
Governor Georgios Chatzimarkos spoke about the European Union as a project built on peace, solidarity and opportunities for all citizens. He also reflected on the specific challenges faced by island regions, including migration pressures, connectivity and territorial cohesion. The exchange in Rhodes reaffirmed the important role young local and regional leaders play in shaping Europe’s future and ensuring that EU policies respond to the realities faced by communities across the continent.