​Aviation has been one of the sectors worst affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Smaller regional airports have recorded the greatest decline in direct flight connections, particularly in passenger flights. Treviso (Italy) lost 95% of its connections, Vaasa (Finland) 91%, Quimper (France) 87%, and Burgas (Bulgaria) 82%.

De nombreux aéroports régionaux peinant à se remettre des difficultés économiques causées par la pandémie, les membres du Comité européen des régions ont adopté le 1 er juillet un avis dans lequel la Commission européenne est invitée à élaborer, en matière d’aides publiques, des règles plus souples et plus efficaces qui permettent aux États membres de leur apporter une aide financière. Dans l’avis rédigé par Władysław Ortyl (PL/ECR), le CdR a également souligné que le soutien financier devait être investi pour rendre les aéroports plus durables afin de contribuer à la réalisation des objectifs fixés dans le pacte vert pour l’Europe .

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.

The Green Deal Going Local working group of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) held its sixth meeting today with the green recovery as its top priority. Members discussed the importance of involving local and regional authorities in the implementation phase of the national recovery and resilience plans (NRRPs) which will support the European green transition in the next years. The meeting took place while the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen continues her tour through the EU capitals to hand over the endorsement of NRRPs to European leaders, and "make" the recovery "real".