A few days after the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, Europe's local leaders and MEPs re-entered the debate on the urgency to combat gender-based violence, which has far-reaching consequences not only at the individual but also at the societal level. At the 29 November plenary session of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), local leaders adopted an opinion calling to focus on tackling the root causes of such violence, such as gender inequality and harmful cultural or societal constructs, and urging to invest more in prevention, education and awareness raising. 

En su pleno del 29 de noviembre, el Comité Europeo de las Regiones aprobó unDictamensobre «La política pesquera común sobre el terreno: hacia comunidades costeras sostenibles y resilientes en la UE» preparado por Jesús Gamallo Aller (ES/PPE), director general de Relaciones Exteriores y con la Unión Europea de la Xunta de Galicia.Habida cuenta de su conocimiento de los ecosistemas marinos locales, la participación de los entes locales y regionales es vital para la aplicación efectiva de la política pesquera común (PPC). Las regiones tienen un papel destacado, en particular, en la gestión, el control y la vigilancia de las actividades pesqueras y acuícolas, la investigación del medio marino y la gestión de licencias. Por consiguiente, los miembros del CDR piden que se refuerce la participación de los agentes y partes interesadas locales y que se establezcan objetivos más claros y prácticos que se ajusten a las características específicas de cada región de la UE.«El futuro de la política pesquera común es el futuro de Europa. De la pesca dependen no solo la salud de los océanos y los ecosistemas marinos sino también la seguridad alimentaria y la soberanía estratégica de todo un continente, así como el bienestar y la prosperidad de sus comunidades costeras. Mi región, Galicia, que representa el 4 % de la pesca y el 16 % de la acuicultura de la UE, es consciente de la importancia socioeconómica y medioambiental de este sector, y hemos elaborado este Dictamen para garantizar que la transición ecológica del sector se lleve a cabo sin perjuicio de la actividad ni de los miles de personas que dependen de ella», afirmóel ponente, Jesús Gamallo Aller (ES/PPE), director general de Relaciones Exteriores y con la Unión Europea de la Xunta de Galicia.El cambio climático tiene un impacto importante en los ecosistemas marinos, las poblaciones de peces y la sociedad. El CDR reitera el compromiso con la consecución del objetivo del rendimiento máximo sostenible (RMS) y pide a la Comisión que refuerce la aplicación de un enfoque ecosistémico de la gestión pesquera.Además, la acuicultura desempeña un papel clave en la seguridad alimentaria y el empleo en las comunidades costeras. Toda futura reforma de la PPC deberá impulsar un desarrollo sostenible de la acuicultura y la innovación tecnológica, y tener en cuenta la dimensión social. Unas mejores condiciones de trabajo y la armonización de las cualificaciones garantizarán el relevo generacional de los trabajadores de este sector.Los entes locales y regionales destacan el papel de la pesca costera artesanal como elemento decisivo para la fijación de población y la dinamización económica de las zonas costeras, especialmente en las regiones ultraperiféricas, por lo que piden apoyo político y financiero.Por último, los miembros del CDR subrayan la importancia de establecer cauces de cooperación con los países vecinos, a fin de realizar de forma conjunta una gestión pesquera sostenible y equitativa; destacan también la relevancia de contar con unas normas comunes de comercialización para lograr un mercado pesquero mundial justo. 

Members of the European Committee of the Regions have defended the essential role of local and regional authorities in developing an inclusive sports model that is open to all, tackles social disparities and builds a more cohesive Europe at the plenary session on 30 November. In an opinion drafted by Roberto Pella (IT/EPP), mayor of Valdengo and 1st vice-president of the National Association of Italian Municipalities (ANCI), they called for the promotion of a European sports model based on values, considering its social and educational role in fighting prejudice and promoting peace, especially among the younger generations. 

The ambitious goals of the European Green Deal require unprecedented and rapid changes in the coming decades largely at the local and regional levels. To ensure that all Green Deal initiatives are "local-proofed" and will not lead to growing territorial and social disparities, regions and cities are calling on the EU co-legislators to engage an in-depth review and revision of the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action Regulation and to establish a permanent climate and energy dialogue. The recommendations drafted by Joško Klisović (HR/PES), President of Zagreb City Assembly, were adopted by the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) on 30 November. 

Supporting culture and cultural industries in rural areas is vital to promote the sustainable development of these regions so that they can retain and attract young people and combat demographic decline. The active participation of local authorities in managing these cultural policies is essential to adapt the measures to the needs of rural areas. These are the key messages of the opinion led by Csaba Borboly (RO/EPP), President of Harghita County Council, adopted at th​e Plenary Session of the European Committee of the Regions on 29 November. 

While more and more public services become digital and mutually interconnected, the risk of major cyber-attacks or physical attacks on critical infrastructures sharply increases, potentially leading to a ‘digital pandemic’. In order to increase the digital resilience in regions and cities, members of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) have adopted by unanimity during the plenary session on 30 November an opinion on the Cyber Solidarity Act and Digital Resilience, calling for concrete support from the national and European level for regions and cities undergoing the digital transition, not least to raise the cybersecurity level in smaller municipalities. 

Renewable hydrogen is an essential building block to reach the Green Deal objectives and achieve climate neutrality, especially when it comes to decarbonising industrial activities and heavy transport in EU cities and regions. The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) calls on the European Commission to reconsider the role of local and regional authorities for the future functioning of the European Hydrogen Bank, which is being set up to stimulate and support investment in renewable hydrogen. The CoR opinion drafted by Arianna Censi (IT/PES), Councillor for Mobility of the City of Milan, was adopted at the plenary session on 30 November, one week after the European Commission launched the €800m first pilot auction under the European Hydrogen Bank. 

The European Committee of the Regions has urged regional and city administrations to take the initiative to uproot corruption by adopting an existing pan-European code of conduct and by developing specific strategies focused on tackling abuses in public procurement and in the construction, waste management, and port management sectors. 

The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) carries the voice of EU cities and regions to the UNFCCC COP28 climate conference taking place from 30 November to 12 December in Dubai (United Arab Emirates). Joining forces with worldwide networks of local and regional authorities, the CoR delegation will advocate for increased involvement of local and regional governments in the implementation of international climate agreements and the recognition of their leadership in accelerating and broadening climate action. These views are supported by the official EU negotiating position and the European Parliament. 

Local and regional leaders across Europe have called for a renewed focus on health promotion and prevention in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, rising prices, and the energy transition. In an opinion adopted on 29 November, the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) also urged the European Commission to re-evaluate the impact on health inequalities of factors like air pollution, water quality, and access to nutritious food. 

Since the start of the conflict in the Middle East, antisemitic acts have multiplied in several EU communities. The Belgian city of Charleroi has filed a complaint following the violation of dozens of Jewish graves. Members of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) unequivocally condemned all antisemitic acts in a debate on how to locally reinforce the fight against antisemitism in the European Union during the assembly's November plenary session. 

​​The city of Vinnytsia has opened a representative office to the European Union, becoming the fourth Ukrainian sub-national administration or organisation to take up an offer to use office space in the European Committee of the Regions (CoR).  

This is the latest edition of the Green Deal Funding Alert. It's a monthly newsletter that keeps you informed about funding opportunities and initiatives that support sustainable development and the transition to climate neutrality. This edition focuses on energy funding opportunities and training. Read on to find out how to benefit from these initiatives! 

Bottom-up cooperation with EU neighbouring countries, whether at land or sea borders, helps promoting cohesion and creating mutual trust, which is an essential catalyst for democracy and peace. On the eve of a crucial vote of the European Parliament's committee on Regional Development on the topic, local and regional leaders urge EU decision makers to increase the funding and the efficiency of cross-border programmes. Recommendations are included in an opinion drafted by the President of the Regional Assembly of Corsica, Marie-Antoinette Maupertuis. 

A prolonged relaxation of state-aid rules risks widening the disparities between and within Europe's member states, distorting the functioning of the Single Market, regional and local leaders argue in an opinion on the European Commission’s 2022 Annual Report on Competition Policy. The opinion, which was adopted by unanimity on 29 November during a plenary session of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), calls for measures to mitigate market distortions prior to a return to normal state-aid rules. They also want future state-aid to help struggling regions cope with the green and digital transition. 

En vísperas de que los Estados miembros adopten sus Conclusiones sobre el futuro de la política de cohesión, las regiones y las ciudades instan a los Gobiernos de la UE y a la Comisión Europea a que reconozcan la importancia primordial de esta política para abordar las disparidades territoriales, promover la doble transición ecológica y digital y defender los valores democráticos europeos en todas las regiones. Las propuestas para reformar la política de cohesión después de 2027 se recogen en un Dictamen aprobado el 29 de noviembre en el pleno del Comité Europeo de las Regiones (CDR). El Dictamen fue elaborado por Vasco Alves Cordeiro, presidente de la Asamblea, y Emil Boc, presidente de la Comisión COTER. 

On 27 November 2023, ARLEM Vice-president, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, addressed the ministers of foreign affairs of the UfM attending the UfM 8th Regional Forum gathered in Barcelona on the critical situation in Israel and Gaza. 

On the occasion of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the President of the European Committee of the Regions, Vasco Alves Cordeiro, called on Member States to redouble their efforts to stop all forms of gender-based violence and build on the role and capacity of local and regional authorities to reinforce the protection of women. 

The European Committee of the Regions will on 29 November lay out its position on the long-term future of cohesion policy – the largest item in the European Union's budget – with recommendations that emphasise the fundamental importance of maintaining substantial regionally targeted support so that the EU's regions can address structural challenges such as climate change, digitalisation and depopulation.  

Representatives of EU regions and cities met with EU Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius at the EU Clean Air Forum in Rotterdam to highlight the need to align the EU's air quality directive with the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines by 2035. The proposal for directive is currently subject of trilogue negotiations between the European Commission, European Parliament and the Council of the EU. 

Just a week ahead of the COP28, the CoR's Commission for Environment, Climate Change and Energy (ENVE) held a debate with high-level representatives of the European Commission to assess the progress made in the EU's energy and climate transition. While the EU’s net greenhouse gas emissions decreased by around 3% in 2022, the EU and Member States still need to accelerate emissions reduction to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. This is becoming even more urgent as record temperatures, heavy floods, wildfires and other climate disasters are impacting infrastructure and people's health across Europe. 

CIVEX meeting discusses humanitarian support in conflict zones, enlargement, and democratic participation. Local and regional authorities can best provide emergency support during the humanitarian crises in Ukraine and Gaza by making in-kind donations through the European Union's civil-protection mechanism and by joining calls for the respect of international humanitarian law, members of the European Committee of the Regions heard on 21 November. 

​Even though cities and regions are in most cases showing more ambition than national governments, the first Global Stocktake will conclude that the world is not doing enough to combat climate change, MEP Bas Eickhout (NL/Greens) told in a briefing with the European Committee of the Regions' delegation to the UNFCCC COP28, which will take place in Dubai from 30 November to 12 December. 

Cross-border cooperation in dealing with emergencies, affordable housing and the greening of freight transport were among the main topics discussed by local and regional leaders at the meeting of the commission responsible for territorial cohesion and EU budget (COTER) of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR). The meeting began with a strong message from the COTER Chair and Major of Cluj-Napoca, Emil Boc, on the importance of Cohesion Policy as the main EU investment policy to fight social, economic and territorial disparities. 

W​hich are the main barriers faced by local and regional authorities in the implementation of the European Green Deal? What are the main missing elements of the Green Deal and how it should be improved to help cities and regions advance towards climate-neutrality and support the wellbeing of Europeans? These were some of the questions the CoR's Green Deal Going Local Working Group discussed on 15 November as part of a strategic foresight exercise supported by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC).  

Decentralisation, accountability and inclusiveness are key to Ukraine's reconstruction, mayors say. Ukraine should take a 'whole-of-society' approach, continue decentralisation, and increase the financial independence of local communities as it seeks to re-build and recover in the face of Russia's ongoing invasion, Ukrainian and EU politicians said at a conference that brought over 100 Ukrainian mayors to Brussels on 9-10 November. 

Las ciudades, regiones y municipios de Europa que deseen exhibir, compartir y enriquecer sus estrategias y experiencias para promover la creación, la innovación y el crecimiento de las pequeñas y medianas empresas (pymes) ya pueden presentar su candidatura a la edición de 2025 del Premio Región Emprendedora Europea (REE), organizado por el Comité Europeo de las Regiones (CDR) en asociación con la DG GROW de la Comisión Europea. 

On 14 November, CoR members Markku Markkula (FI/EPP) and Christophe Rouillon (FR/PES) took part in a Council working party meeting on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Later this month, the Council of the EU is expected to adopt conclusions specifically on SDGs at local level. The Spanish presidency of the Council is aiming to have the conclusions approved on 27 or 30 November. 

​​Prioritizing social goals over profit has become a crucial part of our economic landscape. In this interview, Ricardo Rio (PT/EPP), Mayor of Braga and rapporteur for the CoR opinion on Creating an enabling environment for the social economy, highlights the significance of the social economy within regions and cities, its relation to the green transition, and the potential challenges faced along with strategies to bolster collaboration. Through funding support, policy alignment, and regulatory simplification, regions and cities can unlock the full potential of the social economy, ensuring a more inclusive and sustainable future for all. 

El sector europeo de la automoción sigue ocupando una posición de liderazgo en cuanto a innovación en la industria automovilística mundial. Sin embargo, las regiones automovilísticas europeas pueden quedarse rezagadas si no se proporciona a la industria una financiación adecuada, la reconversión de la mano de obra y una infraestructura de apoyo. En la segunda reunión política de la Alianza de Regiones Europeas con Industria de Automoción (ARA), celebrada en Pamplona el 9 de noviembre, las regiones miembros adoptaron la Declaración de Navarra y debatieron con la DG GROW (Dirección General de Mercado Interior, Industria, Emprendimiento y Pymes) de la Comisión Europea el apoyo necesario para garantizar una transición justa en las regiones automovilísticas europeas. 

The President of the European Committee of the Regions, Vasco Alves Cordeiro, has welcomed the European Commission's proposal to start accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova, to grant candidate status to Georgia and open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina once they comply with membership criteria.  

Los dirigentes locales y regionales de Europa han advertido de que el desarrollo sostenible a largo plazo de la UE no puede lograrse sin unas zonas rurales dinámicas y sostenibles y la plena integración de las comunidades rurales en el proyecto europeo. Una Declaración aprobada hoy en la reunión de la Mesa del Comité Europeo de las Regiones celebrada en Logroño pone de relieve que todas las políticas de la UE deben tener en cuenta la verificación rural, promover el atractivo de las zonas rurales y proteger la calidad de vida de sus poblaciones, y que las zonas rurales necesitan un apoyo específico para adaptarse a la crisis climática y a la transición ecológica. 

The Green Deal Funding Alert is a newsletter that keeps you informed about funding opportunities and initiatives that support sustainable development and the transition to climate neutrality. This edition focuses on the EU mission and Horizon Europe 

Regional and local representatives from the European Committee of the Regions’ commission for natural resources (NAT) shared the results of a survey on the regional dimension of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) National Strategic Plans during a joint hearing with the European Parliament AGRI Committee. Results indicate that the current CAP is less flexible and risks overlooking regional needs.  

Democracy in Europe requires a rapid increase in the number of women in politics, say local leaders of the European Committee of the Regions in a debate with MEPs, NGOs and experts. Regional and local leaders across the European Union, non-governmental organisations and researchers attending the European Committee of the Regions' (CoR) conference "Local and regional strategies for closing the gender gap in politics: Roads taken and what´s next?" call on decision-makers to introduce concrete solutions like quotas or parity requirements to achieve gender equality in political representation. 

Chair of CoR Commission CIVEX Patrick Molinoz meets MEP Magdalena Adamowicz to seal the possibility for MEPs to nominate future laureates of the Mayor Paweł Adamowicz Award alongside the CoR members and alternates. The request was taken to the top level. 

Local and regional leaders from the three shores of Mediterranean pay tribute to innocent civilian victims in the Middle East. Regional and local politicians from across the Mediterranean have urged national governments to establish a Euro-Mediterranean approach to disaster risk reduction, to ensure that authorities are better prepared for earthquakes, water scarcity, floods and wildfires. 

The Turkish city of İzmir and a business that is easing the transition to electric vehicles have been named as winners of an award that recognises successful collaboration between young entrepreneurs and local authorities in the Mediterranean region. 

​​​​Digital resilience across European regions and cities varies widely. Some public authorities have been actively pursuing their digital resilience for years, some have been falling behind due to a lack of funds, human resources and administrative capacity. Members of the Commission for Economic Policy (ECON) of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) gathered in Wismar, Germany, on 18-19 October, to discuss how better connectivity, technologies and skills can help prevent digital divides and accelerate the digital transition​. 

Gdańsk pledges €220,000 to support Lviv's rehabilitation efforts during a visit by a delegation from the European Committee of the Regions. Representatives of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) have travelled to Lviv, the largest city in western Ukraine, to see how see how cities and regions in the EU can help Ukrainian local and regional governments with their emergency needs, with reconstruction and with EU-related reforms.  

At the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), the European Union will formally advocate for an increased involvement of local and regional governments in the implementation of international climate agreements, recognising their leadership in accelerating and broadening climate action. The Council of the EU approved today conclusions that will serve as the EU’s general negotiating position for the COP28, to be held in Dubai from 30 November to 12 December. EU regions and cities consider this as a crucial step and warn that any delay in implementing effective mitigation and adaptation measures in partnership with local and regional governments will further amplify climate risks, resulting in increasing biodiversity loss, health risks and permanent loss and damage. 

City and regional representatives working on strategic foresight came together for the first time as part of the European Week of Regions and Cities at an event organised by the European Committee of the Regions and the European Commission. 

Regional development MEPs and local leaders counterparts from the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) discussed the parameters of the new EU Cohesion Policy beyond 2027. "Future of the Cohesion Policy beyond 2027" was the topic of the annual joint meeting of the Committee on Regional Development (REGI) of the European Parliament and the Commission for Territorial Cohesion Policy and EU Budget (COTER) of the European Committee of the Regions. 

Regional development MEPs and local leaders from the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) discussed the parameters of the new EU Cohesion Policy beyond 2027. "Future of the Cohesion Policy beyond 2027" was the topic of the annual joint meeting of the Committee on Regional Development (REGI) of the European Parliament and the Commission for Territorial Cohesion Policy and EU Budget (COTER) of the European Committee of the Regions. 

Members of the Committee of the Regions (CoR) ask the European Commission to table a new proposal to finally set up a European Cross-Border Mechanism (ECBM), a tool that has the potential to make life of citizens, workers and industries in border regions easier. The current proposal, backed by both the CoR and the European Parliament, is currently blocked by Member States. 

The European Committee of the Regions has urged the EU to create a clear framework for the drone sector to unlock its full economic potential. This would require the involvement of local leaders, addressing regulatory shortcomings, and regular reviews of technological, infrastructural, financing and skills gaps, the CoR argues in an opinion on "a Drone Strategy 2.0" by Władysław Ortyl, President of the Podkarpackie Region, adopted on 10 October.​ 

A European transition strategy is needed to help phase out traditionally fuelled combustion engines, the European Committee of the Regions said in an opinion adopted on on 11 October.The strategy should focus on developing new green and digital technologies, reskilling the workforce, and supporting the most affected regions, also through an adequate assessment of the territorial impact of the digital and green transition of this strategic industry. 

The European Union's main funding tool for Ukraine should be expanded and be more focused on building up the capacity of Ukraine's local and regional authorities, the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) says in a set of recommendations that also call for the support plan for Ukraine to use the EU's own regional-development policy as a building block. 

In this European Year of Skills 2023, designed to stimulate lifelong learning, the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) adopted at its plenary session an opinion on mentoring. 

Local and regional leaders are crucial political actors to identify long-term trends and future challenges in order to improve EU policymaking and legislation. This is why the EU strategic foresight work can have a real impact only if regions and cities are involved. This is the key message of the opinion adopted by the European Committee of the Regions during the plenary session on 11 October.