​The reaction of the President of the European Committee of the Regions, Vasco Alves Cordeiro, to the State of the EU speech delivered by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. 

"Ursula von der Leyen's State of the Union speech comes at a time, when people across many cities and regions in Europe need to cope with the consequences of rising costs, disasters and extreme weathers, and many more uncertainties. In Europe's cities and regions, people need to be offered perspectives with a visible, tangible support of the European Union. 

President von der Leyen stressed that we are a Europe of the regions. Beyond their rich cultural diversity, they are also fully-fledged democratic actors of Union. They are more than 1 million local and regional leaders, implementing EU laws and channelling investment. They are the strongest allies to push Europe towards progress.   

Still 30 years after the creation of the Single Market, some regions in Europe do not benefit from it like others. Not all benefit from the opportunities of the green transition. For our Union to succeed, it will be crucial to strengthen cohesion, unlock the potential of all territories and make sure that no common action prevents the territorial cohesion of our continent. The Commission President's proposal for clean transition dialogues with industries should involve regions so that the local impact and opportunities are properly considered. 

Ursula von der Leyen opened her speech referring to the many first-time voters at the upcoming European elections. These young people need to feel the benefits of being part of the EU where they live, in their city and region. A lot of work still needs to be done to secure that it won't make any difference anymore where in Europe you live. To achieve a Union of equal opportunities is the shared responsibility for all levels of governance in the EU. Local and regional authorities deal with the challenges of European citizens on the ground. The Commission should make them stronger allies. 

As the Commission will contribute to the leaders' discussion, from preparing to enlargement to the future of the EU budget with a stronger and reformed cohesion policy, the European Committee of the Regions, as the political assembly of regions and cities in the EU, will also play its role and bring forward its vision. 

Involving the local level will make Europe stronger, fairer and more democratic to face the challenges we may face tomorrow.". 

Background:

On October 9, the President of the European Committee of the Regions Vasco Alves Cordeiro will deliver his annual address on the State of Regions and Cities in the European Union. The Committee will also publish the EU Annual Report on the State of Regions and Cities, accompanied by a survey of local and regional representatives, the Regional and Local Barometer, which will bring more insights and vision on the role local and regional authorities play to shape the Future of Europe.

Contact:
Hannah Cornelsen
President's spokesperson, European Committee of the Regions
Mobile: +32 470970128
hannah.cornelsen@cor.europa.eu​

​
​