Social rights, skills, and innovation for sustainable development among SEDEC priorities for the 2025-2030 mandate

Regions and cities set the 2025-2030 priorities for the Commission for Social Policy, Education, Employment, Research, and Culture (SEDEC), focusing on strengthening social rights, advancing skills and fostering place-based innovation to address key challenges. At their 6 December meeting, SEDEC members also discussed key initiatives such as the New European Bauhaus, the European Youth Capital-title, and cultural projects.

Local and regional leaders have evaluated SEDEC's contributions to the EU's priorities during the 2020-2024 mandate in social policy, education, employment, research, and culture. Through 51 opinions on key topics, including the European Pillar of Social Rights, skills development, culture, and research and innovation (R&I), it highlighted the vital role of local authorities in building a more inclusive Europe. Through the Joint Action Plan with DG RTD, DG EAC, and the JRC - now a model for the new cooperation agreement between the CoR and the European Commission - SEDEC members have strengthened the CoR role as a key partner in promoting dynamic and innovative regional ecosystems.

For the next term of office 2025-2030, the work of the SEDEC Commission will focus on strengthening the European Pillar of Social Rights, tackling poverty, building a 'Union of Skills for digital and green transitions, and addressing demographic challenges. Key priorities include promoting quality jobs, youth engagement, cultural participation, and promoting local research and innovation through strong EU partnerships.

New European Bauhaus Pilot Project

During the meeting, local and regional leaders highlighted the importance of the European Parliament's New European Bauhaus (NEB) Pilot Project in supporting small municipalities and regions implement NEB principles of inclusion, beauty, and sustainability. They highlighted the crucial role of the CoR opinion in shaping the pilot project and advocating for dedicated funding to support grassroots initiatives. The panel included the participation of MEP Marcos Ros Sempere (ES/S&D).

Local and regional leaders also addressed challenges, such as limited access to EU funding for smaller municipalities and entities. To overcome these barriers, the pilot project provides €30,000 vouchers for municipalities with fewer than 20,000 inhabitants to secure technical assistance for implementing NEB projects. Additionally, a hub is being developed to connect project developers with investors, ensuring that the NEB vision reaches and benefits communities with limited resources.

Presentation of the European Youth Capital-Award

SEDEC members discussed the impact of the European Youth Capital initiative, awarded annually by the European Youth Forum, in promoting inclusive youth participation. This award celebrates cities that empower young people and integrate their voices into local governance. The debate highlighted Ghent's innovative approach as the 2024 titleholder, with its proposal '"We Are The City", which prioritises youth participation, tackles social challenges, and fosters diversity. The call for applications for the 2028 title is now open, and local authorities are invited to apply.

European Capital of Culture and the European Heritage Label actions

Local and regional authorities play a crucial role in implementing the European Capitals of Culture (ECoC) and European Heritage Label (EHL) initiatives and ensuring their sustainable impact, SEDEC members affirmed during a debate on the two initiates. The discussion highlighted the importance of collaboration with local communities to ensure sustainable cultural and economic development while preserving Europe's rich heritage and diversity.

Cultural and Creative Cities Monitor

During the meeting, local and regional leaders debated the updated Cultural and Creative Cities Monitor, launched by the Joint Research Centre. First introduced in 2017, the tool helps cities assess their cultural strengths and areas for improvement. The 2023 edition, with improved methods and indicators, provides better support for developing culture and creativity policies. Members shared ideas on using the Monitor to guide policies and encourage collaboration for cultural growth in cities and regions.

Members of SEDEC Commission also appointed two new rapporteurs:

• Melanie KÜHNEMANN-GRUNOW (DE/PES), for the opinion on the "Implementation of the European Research Area (ERA) Strengthening Europe's Research and Innovation: The ERA's Journey and Future Directions."
• Tine RADINJA (SI/Greens), for the opinion on "Intergenerational Fairness: A Local and Regional Approach to Building Inclusive and Sustainable Societies".

More information:

CoR opinion "New European Bauhaus Beautiful, Sustainable, Together", by rapporteur Kieran MCCARTHY (IE/EA), Member of a Local Executive: Cork City Council.