Conference of Presidents sets out the Committee’s key positions for the forthcoming European Commission Work Programme

The Conference of Presidents of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) set out its priorities for the forthcoming European Commission Work Programme for 2027 following an exchange of views with Mr Pascal Leardini, Deputy Secretary-General and Chief Operating Officer of the European Commission, which took place on 5 May. The Work Programme, which will mark the second programme of the current Commission mandate, is expected to play a key role in translating political priorities into concrete legislative and policy action.

On 5 May, the European Commission representative underlined the importance of early engagement in shaping the programme, so that the territorial dimension and the perspective of local and regional authorities are better integrated from the outset. This early dialogue is seen as essential to ensuring that EU policies are grounded in realities on the ground and can be effectively implemented.

Reflecting these priorities, the Conference of Presidents adopted a declaration outlining the Committee’s key positions for the 2027 Work Programme. The declaration underscores the need to preserve a strong cohesion policy for all regions under the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034), in full respect of the “do no harm to cohesion” principle and with the effective involvement of local and regional authorities. It also highlights, among other issues, the growing role of regions in Europe’s security and defence ecosystem, including the development of an EU local and regional security agenda, and emphasises the importance of facilitating cross-border healthcare cooperation.

Furthermore, the debate addressed the implementation of the Cooperation Agreement between the CoR and the European Commission and the recently published Commission Communication “A simpler, clearer and better enforced EU rulebook”. In the latter, the Commission committed itself to further involve the Committee and its networks, such as the Network of Regional Hubs, in consultation activities, as well as to include the CoR in its new high-level Simplification Platform.

Note: The exchange of views with Deputy Secretary General Leardini was chaired by CoR President Kata Tüttő, and attended by Sari Rautio, Luca Menesini, Marco Marsilio, Karina Mikelsone, Marie-Antoinette Maupertuis and Tine Radinja.