Dear President,
Dear Members,
Thank you for this opportunity to address you. I want to start by congratulating President Tüttő on her election.
Dear Kata, it is an honor to participate in your inaugural session.
Thanks to former President Cordeiro for promoting the work of the European Committee of Regions.
As a former member of the European Committee of the Regions, I chaired the COTER Committee.
I have a deep connection with cohesion policy. My first public appearance was on 12 December at the Annual joint REGI/COTER meeting.
Europe faces significant challenges, and regional governments play a key role in cohesion.
- Security due to the Ukraine war.
- Competitiveness in a fast-changing world.
- Green and digital transitions.
- Demographic challenges in cities and rural areas.
Cohesion policy must evolve and modernize.
We need new ways to address regional priorities.
Our competitiveness compass guides us.
Closing the innovation gap and reducing Europes dependencies.
Cohesion policy is key in various sectors, not just the green economy.
We must continue to invest in the future and drive reforms.
Explore tailor-made solutions for each country to simplify programming.
Improve coordination between EU and national instruments.
The lessons learned emphasize the importance of tailored solutions and local involvement.
Geographical diversity requires different approaches.
We need strong local involvement in policy design and implementation.
Despite a slow programme start, recent improvements show progress.
Support is crucial for the upcoming mid-term review of current programmes.
This is a chance to align with EU priorities.
I have reached out to every Minister for Cohesion Policy.
Meetings with regional leaders emphasize key initiatives of the European Commission.
- The right to stay where you call home.
- A strategic EU Policy agenda for cities.
- The first EU plan for affordable housing.
- The New European Bauhaus for inclusive projects.
- The European Water Resilience Strategy.
- Support for eastern border regions.
Early visits to border regions highlight economic challenges.
Our regional borders are European borders.
President von der Leyen emphasizes the central role of regions.
- Through partnership.
- Shared management.
- Multi-level governance.
- Place-based approach responding to regional needs.
Cohesion and Reforms are now integrated with other policies.
We need your involvement and insights.
Your opinions are crucial for inclusive European policy-making.
To conclude: Regions and local authorities are central to future actions.
Collaboration is key to facing challenges today and tomorrow.
We need your support.
I look forward to our discussion.
Thank you.