On 22-23 June, local and regional leaders gathered in Lille, France for an external group meeting hosted by Renew Europe CoR President François Decoster to reinforce the voice of EU regions and cities.
ALDE Party Vice-President Dan Barna MEP (USR, RO) attended the two-day meeting with members of the European Committee of the Regions to deepen cooperation with the Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament.
“I called for the initiation of partnerships in collaboration with local authorities in the Republic of Moldova, as these represent a strategic investment in our European future. By sharing our experience, we are not only helping the Republic of Moldova prepare for accession, but we are also helping to build a more prosperous and secure Eastern neighbourhood for the entire EU,” said Vice-President Barna.
In his opening remarks, President Decoster highlighted the importance of bringing EU policies closer to citizens and ensuring that local and regional voices contribute meaningfully to European decision-making. The rest of the meeting focused on three key areas to boost the group of subnational leaders’ political impact.
Renew Europe CoR members took part a workshop focusing on their successful initiatives including developing the EU councillors networks across Europe, celebrating Europe Day among local crowds, organising citizens’ dialogues in different cities, and fostering new European partnerships through town twinning.
All the discussions emphasized a common goal: the need to help citizens experience the European dimension of their identity, build the capacity of local and regional administration staff, effectively manage EU funds, and contribute local evidence to EU-level policy work.
Local and regional leaders remain determined to ensure that the voices of our territories are heard loud and clear in Brussels and beyond.