President Cordeiro welcomes President von der Leyen's commitment to a strengthened cohesion policy: 'Now we must put words into action'

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Commenting on the election of Ursula von der Leyen as the President of the European Commission, the President of the European Committee of the Regions, Vasco Alves Cordeiro, underlined the key role of cohesion policy for the future mandate of the European institutions.

"On behalf of the European Committee of the Regions, I would like to congratulate Ursula von der Leyen for her election as President of the European Commission.

"The legislative term ahead of us will be faced with many challenges and it will be key to deliver with budgetary, policy and institutional solutions with ambition and effectiveness. Regions and cities will continue playing their role, remaining at the centre of the Union's work, by delivering concrete results to all citizens, influencing and implementing the EU legislation but also channelling the majority of public investment.

"In its Strategic Agenda for 2024-2029, the European Council has stressed the essential objective of territorial, economic and social cohesion, which is enshrined in our treaties. This cannot be a dead letter and must become reality. Hence, it is essential that a reformed and robust cohesion policy remains a central pillar of the future Multiannual Financial Framework. Either to deliver on the green and digital transition, to contribute to economic development or to even prepare for future enlargement, a decentralised, placed-based cohesion policy for all regions is key.

"Therefore, we welcome that the Political Guidelines presented today stress the importance of a strengthened cohesion policy designed in partnership with local and regional authorities. We welcome President's von der Leyen commitment to a "strengthened cohesion policy" and we are ready to cooperate to bring those words to action. We count on it being supported with a fully-fledge portfolio and a dedicated Commissioner. As the political assembly of local and regional authorities, the European Committee of the Regions will pay a particular attention to this issue, and we are eager to hear the detailed plans for the future of the European Union's main investment policy.

"Our ambition as regions and cities is clear: we have the power to deliver a stronger, fairer and more resilient future for Europe. With 70% of EU legislation implementation, EUR 3 trillion delivering public services, as well as more than half of public investment, we know that our role cannot be circumvented. We represent the third pillar of European democracy, and we welcome the commitment to further work with our network of local councillors across Europe to ensure a closer link with people's everyday realities. Our vision, adopted at the 10^th European Summit of Regions and Cities, will remain our compass for the future."