“On behalf of the European Committee of the Regions, I would like to congratulate the members of the new College of Commissioners on their appointment today by the European Parliament and affirm our commitment to working together for a stronger and fairer European Union.

“The full involvement of local and regional authorities will be essential to respond to the major challenges facing our Union, such as the climate crisis, access to housing, preparing for enlargement, and many others. We recognize and are grateful that this College can count on several members who have had the opportunity to lead their cities and regions and serve as members of the European Committee of the Regions. The ability to meet these challenges lies in the hands of local and regional European authorities, as they implement more than 70% of European Union legislation and are responsible for half of public spending in the EU. To continue to do so, regions and cities will need a stronger and renewed Cohesion Policy built with all regions through a spirit of partnership, shared management, multi-level governance, and a place-based approach. That said, we count on the commitment of the new Executive Vice-President in charge of Cohesion and Reforms to work closely with the European Committee of the Regions and present an ambitious proposal for cohesion policy.

“The Committee of the Regions will continue to work as a loyal and constructive partner of the European Commission to ensure that regions and cities are given ‘the political importance they deserve’, as President von der Leyen stated when considering the next Multiannual Financial Framework.”

Brussels, November 27th, 2024

Translated to English as a community outreach program from the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL) as part of Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno, PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.