On the occasion of the launch of the Conference on the Future of Europe on 9 May in Strasbourg, the European Committee of the Regions is organising a debate (11:00-13:00) which will give the floor to local and regional elected representatives and European citizens. The aim of the debate is to “territorialise” the Conference, and to reflect together on the role that local and regional authorities should play in the Europe of tomorrow. Europe Day takes place on 9 May and celebrates peace and unity in Europe, recognising the EU’s achievements and looking to the future. It marks the anniversary of the 'Schuman declaration', the beginning of what is now the European Union. For Europe Day this year, the European Committee of the Regions is opening its ‘virtual’ doors. Join us online and take part in Europe Day wherever you are! 

The 8th CIVEX commission meeting will take place on Tuesday 11 May 2021 from 11:00 to 17:30. In light of the current COVID-19 situation, the meeting will be held by videoconference. 

On 29 April 2021, the Commission launched a detailed stakeholders consultation EU-wide protection of geographical indications for non-agricultural products which will be open till 22 July 2021. The consultation aims at capturing the views of all relevant stakeholders on the problems related to the existing legal protection of authentic geographically-rooted non-agricultural products within the internal market; on the benefits and risk of EU action; on the available policy options including the control and enforcement of a future EU-protection system for such products; on the potential impacts of these policy options. 

The 8th NAT commission meeting will take place on Thursday 20 May 2021 from 11:00 to 13:00 and from 14:30 to 17:00 at the European Committee of the Regions, Rue Belliard 99-101, Brussels room JDE 52. 

The Green Deal is a unique opportunity for Europe to step up its ambition and ensure that the EU can become climate neutral by 2050 and climate adaptation goes alongside mitigation in achieving this goal.