The most important yearly event for cities and regions around the EU, the European Week of Regions and Cities has commenced its 21st iteration yesterday on the 9th of October 2023. Participants comprising local-regional and national policy makers, experts, academics, are joining the event in Brussels seeking to discuss a series of issues that also present significant cross-border interest as we covered in our previous article which you can find here.
The week was launched by Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira who highlighted the crucial role Cohesion Policy has been playing in mitigating the energy crisis caused by the war in Ukraine while also presenting some of the key achievements of the 2014-2020 Programme Period as follows:
- 2014-2020 Programmes supported 2.4 million businesses, creating 350,000 jobs.
- 560,000 homes improved for energy efficiency.
- Generated 96,000 megawatts of renewable energy.
- Emphasized transparency through open data platforms.
- Achieved over 85% funding absorption, with accelerated implementation aided by flexibilities.
- Urged collective efforts to prevent funding loss to decommitment.
She also discussed the upcoming developments specifically highlighting:
- The focus on green and digital transition and new sectors.
- New programs to invest 73 billion euros, support 850,000 enterprises, and create 1.3 million jobs.
- The Connection of 3.1 million homes and 356,000 enterprises to high-speed digital infrastructure.
- The Allocation of 92 billion euros for a greener Europe, including energy-efficient homes and renewable energy.
- Regional success stories in utilizing European Cohesion support.
- Mutual learning and discussion among regions and cities during the event.
Following miss Fereira the President of the European Committee of the Regions, Vasco Alves Cordeiro discussed the challenges faced by regions and cities in the European Union, pointing out that more cohesion and a stronger role given to regional and local authorities are the antidote to growing discontent in Europe and a big step towards strengthening European democracy.
In his speech, mr. Cordeiro highlighted the increasing challenges due to climate crisis, emphasizing the need for local involvement in addressing global commitments. He also pledged support for the reconstruction of Ukraine. He stressed the importance of public investment for green and digital transitions and advocated for flexible cohesion policy based on partnership and accountability. The COR president also focused on some of the main findings of the Annual Report on the State of Regions and Cities. The report revealed rising social inequalities in Europe, and mr. Cordeiro called for European solutions, including local energy and food production.
Key findings from the report include:
1. Regions and cities play a crucial role in welcoming Ukrainian refugees.
2. 45% of EU cities believe they can contribute to Ukraine's reconstruction.
3. Concerns were raised about a lack of funding for climate adaptation.
4. Issues with the NextGenerationEU plan were noted.
5. Attention is needed to avoid a 'green divide' in Europe.
6. Rural areas face depopulation and aging.
7. Trust in local and regional governments remains high.
Summary of the speech and report on the Committee of Regions’ website: Here
Check out the Annual Report on the State of Regions and Cities!
Full speech of President Vasco Alves Cordeiro: text and video.
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