The results of a survey carried out by the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) show a clear demand among local and regional authorities to extend the flexibility measures introduced last year to mobilise EU structural funds and state aid in the fight against COVID-19. Regions and cities need extraordinary rules to be maintained in order to secure the continuity of emergency investment and the deployment of crucial initiatives such as job retention schemes. This request is included in a letter co-signed by the CoR President Apostolos Tzitzikostas and the chair of the CoR's COTER commission Isabelle Boudineau, addressed to the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and the commissioners responsible for the relevant policies.

​​Reacting to the European Commission's 'Fit for 55' package which seeks to cut EU carbon emissions by 55% by 2030, the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) calls for the new and updated rules to secure a central role and ensure direct financing for cities and regions who have legal competences and proximity to people in the transition towards climate-neutrality.

To successfully reshape the European transport sector and make it more sustainable, cities and regions in the EU must put greater emphasis on encouraging zero emission mobility, promoting active and shared modes of transportation, re-shaping urban mobility and connecting rural areas better. These suggestions stem from an opinion on the Smart and Sustainable Mobility Strategy which was adopted by the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) and presented by rapporteur Robert van Asten (NL/RE) during the CoR's plenary on Wednesday 30 June.

Regions, cities and villages also ask for a strong role in running EU investment for recovery to ensure that funds reach those most affected by the pandemic.