Europski odbor regija (OR) i Europska komisija ulažu zajedničke napore kako bi pomogli da digitalna transformacija i brza širokopojasna mreža dopru do svih europskih teritorija, uključujući ruralna i slabo naseljena područja.

The COVID-19 crisis and the lockdowns across Europe have clearly demonstrated the need for digital infrastructures and solutions more than ever before. Digital transformation plays a crucial role in the EU's response to the pandemic and in the future recovery. Particular attention should be drawn to avoiding the growth of inequalities and the creation of a digital divide. Digital skills should be developed. Adequate infrastructure and tailored solutions should be made available, in particular to SMEs. A comprehensive and joint EU approach to boost the security and resilience of 5G networks is key. These are the main messages included in an opinion on digital and data, adopted by unanimity by the Committee of the Regions' Plenary.

Na plenarnom zasjedanju Europskog odbora regija 12. - 13. listopada njemačka kancelarka Angela Merkel i predsjednica Europske komisije Ursula von der Leyen razgovarat će o odgovoru Europske unije na pandemiju koronavirusa. Skupština lokalnih i regionalnih političara EU-a održat će rasprave i s predsjednikom i potpredsjednicom Europske investicijske banke Wernerom Hoyerom i Liljanom Pavlovom . Održat će se i rasprave s četiri povjerenika: izvršnim potpredsjednikom i povjerenikom za europski zeleni plan Fransom Timmermansom, povjerenicom za koheziju i reforme Elisom Ferreirom, povjerenikom za gospodarstvo Paolom Gentilonijem i povjerenikom za zapošljavanje i socijalna prava Nicolasom Schmitom.

EU cities and regions request to extend water reuse to all EU Members States and to enlarge the scope of the proposed regulation from agriculture irrigation to urban green spaces. A third of EU's land suffers from water stress and water scarcity is a concern in many Member States. While climate change results in unpredictable weather patterns, it is expected that water reuse will have to palliate increasing droughts and shortfalls in the quantity and quality of freshwater resources.