Press conference with European Parliament's President Tajani and Committee of the Regions' President Markkula  

 
"Shaping a new direction for Europe and rebuilding citizens' trust" 

Press conference with European Parliament's President Tajani and Committee of the Regions' President Markkula

11 May 2017 | 16:00-16:30 | European Parliament

Topic: Reflecting on Europe's future and restoring citizens' trust

Who: Markku Markkula (PPE/FI), President of the European Committee of the Regions

Antonio Tajani (PPE/IT), President of the European Parliament

When: Thursday 11 May, 16:00-16:30

Where: European Parliament, Anna Politkovskaya press room, PHS 0A50, Brussels

 

Watch it live  

 

The EU is at a critical juncture, confronted with unprecedented challenges coming from multiple fronts and hit by soaring levels of public distrust.

As part of the ongoing reflection on the past, present and future of Europe, the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) has launched a bottom-up process called " Reflecting on Europe ". Citizens' dialogues and town hall debates are being complemented by political debates in regional parliaments and local councils to collect citizens' concerns and expectations at the grassroots, and report them back to the EU. This citizen-oriented process follows up from a request from European Council's President Tusk to the CoR to send its recommendations on the future of Europe through the voice of cities and regions.

The European Parliament has given clear direction to the future of Europe for a Union that better responds to citizen concerns through three resolutions exploring the future development of the EU .

As the two EU institutions with a direct link to the citizens, the CoR and the European Parliament have a pivotal role in restoring citizens' trust and helping to build a consensus about Europe's future. The recently adopted Declaration of Rome co-signed by all Member States and presidents of the EU institutions makes a plea for a better listening of citizens' concerns, whilst stating that they "will work together at the level that makes a real difference, be it the European Union, national, regional, or local (…)".

EP President Tajani and CoR President Markkula will address among others the following issues:

  • How can local, national and European leaders regain trust of European citizens?

  • How to address the rise of anti-EU populism?

  • What reforms does the EU or the Member States have to take?

  • What are the main areas where the EU brings clear added value such as: EU cohesion, research and development, consumer protection, a shared approach to migration and upholding common values in the world.

Interpretation will be available in EN/IT/FR/FI

Thanks for confirming your participation to:

Nathalie Vandelle, CoR Press officer
Tél. +32 2 2822499 / Mobile: +32 (0)497 40 01 07 /
nathalie.vandelle@cor.europa.eu


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