The European Union needs to create a "new democratic infrastructure" in order to ensure elections are free and fair, improve media pluralism and boost citizens' engagement, the European Committee of the Regions said on 30 June. In recommendations intended to strengthen democracy, equality, and respect for human rights, municipal and regional leaders emphasised that sub-national governments can play an important role in promoting media literacy, critical thinking and transparency in political campaigning, as well as in supporting citizens' participation in politics.

Three vice-presidents of the European Commission will address the European Committee of the Regions on 30 June, discussing efforts to strengthen and deepen democracy, build inclusive societies, and improve EU legislation. Vice-President Věra Jourová will present the European Democracy Action Plan to empower citizens and build more resilient democracies, Vice-President Margaritis Schinas will highlight the role of education and culture in protecting the European way of life, while Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič will set out the European Commission's work programme as well as the Commission's efforts to embed strategic foresight into its work. Members of the CoR will also discuss the Conference on the Future of Europe with the three MEPs leading the work of the European Parliament in the EU-wide consultation.

Members of the CoR commission for Citizenship, Governance, Institutional and External Affairs – CIVEX – discussed with representatives of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani and Helmut Scholz, how to involve the million local and regional politicians in projects and initiatives that can bring Europe closer to people and make the Conference on the Future of Europe a success. They called in particular for the involvement of CoR Members in the pilot project "Building Europe with Local Entities"(BELE) launched by the Committee on Constitutional Affairs at the European Parliament (AFCO).

Removing unjustified obstacles to the cross-border provision of services would speed up economic recovery in Europe, the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) believes. The opinion drafted by Jean-Luc Vanraes (BE/Renew Europe), Member of Uccle Municipal Council, will be adopted in the CoR plenary session this week.