CoR - Committee of the Regions
CoR - Committee of the Regions
06/28/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/28/2024 04:51
European Council: Statement by the President of the European Committee of the Regions, Vasco Alves Cordeiro
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On the occasion of the European Council of 27-28 June that reached an agreement on the names for the next European Commission and Council presidents and High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the President of the European Committee of the Regions, Vasco Alves Cordeiro, shared his congratulations, highlighting the importance of these nominations for regions and cities. President Cordeiro also expressed his views on the Strategic Agenda on the EU's political priorities for the future adopted by EU leaders.
"The European Committee of the Regions congratulates António Costa for his election as new President of the European Council. He has the experience and knowledge to provide the leadership that Europe needs at this challenging time. We are proud of seeing a former member of the European Committee of the Regions, who has cities and regions close to his heart, elected to this position.
"I would like to congratulate as well Ursula von der Leyen for being appointed as candidate to the Presidency of the European Commission. Exciting and challenging work lies ahead based on a strong commitment to cohesion policy and with Europe's cities and regions.
"Prime Minister Kaja Kallas can count on the support of the European Committee of the Regions in leading Europe's foreign and security policy in these challenging times. From the EU's neighbourhood to the global stage, we need a strong and united Europe.
"The heads of state and government have also just adopted the EU's Strategic Agenda for 2024-2029. Its commitment to a just and fair climate transition and the respect of the rule of law are fundamental elements to tackle the challenges we face. However, we must remind ourselves that policies can be successful only if they are rooted in their territorial realities. Local and regional authorities have the power to deliver concrete results, by implementing EU legislation and channelling public investment.
"We strongly welcome the reference made to enhance economic, social and territorial cohesion. It can, however, not remain a mere afterthought. It needs political support because the integrity of our Union is at stake. To deliver on the ambitions of the Strategic Agenda, such as the provision of quality services, preparedness for natural disasters and health emergencies, cross-border infrastructures and support our rural communities, we need to ensure a strong and renovated cohesion policy covering all regions, and based on reinforced provisions on multilevel governance so that local and regional authorities are in the driving seat both regarding the management and delivery of the policy.
"The upcoming legislative term will be crucial to prepare the future enlargement of our Union. We must accompany the candidate countries on their path to EU membership. The European Committee of the Regions will continue working hand in hand with local and regional authorities in the candidate countries with this purpose in mind. An enlarged Union is not only in the interest of the said countries, but in the interest of the Union at large. As the leaders commit to work on new own resources and to undertake the necessary internal reforms, we must ensure it will benefit all regions and cities as well reinforce the voice of local and regional authorities in the democratic structure of the European Union.
"The European Committee of the Regions is looking forward to engaging with the new leadership of the European Union to deliver for all citizens and all territories. It will continue promoting its vision adopted at the 10th European Summit of Regions and Cities for a stronger, fairer and more resilient future of Europe."