Europe Day: regions and cities drive the future of the EU

With the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration taking place today (9 May), which laid the foundations for the European Union and paved the way for an era of prosperity, peace, democracy, the President of the European Committee of the Regions, Kata Tüttő, and the First Vice-President, Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla, reaffirmed the vital role that regions and cities play in building a resilient, cohesive, and forward-looking Europe. 

Kata Tüttő (HU/PES), President of the European Committee of the Regions, said: "The future of Europe is not decided in Brussels alone. It is shaped in our regions, in our cities, in our communities, and in our families. It is shaped by words of kindness, by acts of courage, and by the responsibility we carry. It is shaped by all of us.  It is our duty to be the optimists of Europe – to bring light in the darkness, hope in times of despair, and love – because love is the only glue that truly lasts. With Europe facing multiple crises and threats, the decisive role of its regional and local communities and the need for a strong local leadership are clear as never before." 

Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla (ES/EPP), First Vice-President of the European Committee of the Regions, said: "Everything that happens in Europe affects us directly. 70% of European legislation is implemented by regions. Regions are affected by what happens with tariffs, climate change, economic uncertainties, etc. Therefore, it is important that the voice of the regions is increasingly heard and relevant. And that's what we try to do from Andalusia. Regions must play a key role in cohesion policy and in the design of the new multiannual financial framework. Europe is currently facing a number of uncertainties and threats, and the role of the regions must guarantee that the right decisions are taken. For Europe to rise to the occasion, to act with restraint, but also with firmness. And for us to remain one of the world's leading powers."

More information

• The President of the European Committee of the Regions, Kata Tüttő, took an active role in the Europe Day celebrations, emphasising the importance of local and regional authorities in shaping the future of the European Union. On 7 May, she visited Valle d'Aosta, where she intervened in a special session on European matters in the Regional Council, and met with regional leaders, mayors and experts of the Fondazione Montagna Sicura, ARPA and mountain guides, aimed at taking stock of water resources management and glacier monitoring dedicated to verifying the impact of the effectiveness of European support for mountain regions. On 8 May, Ms. Tüttő opened a high-level panel discussion at the European University Institute in Florence, following a keynote speech by António Costa, President of the European Council. Her intervention highlighted the role of cities and regions in addressing Europe's security challenges and contributing to democratic resilience in a time of geopolitical uncertainty. On 9 May, during the formal session of the Tuscany Regional Council, she again addressed institutional leaders, underlining the significance of the Schuman Declaration and calling for deeper cooperation between EU institutions and local governments. Additionally, Ms. Tüttő participated in the “Cohesion 2050” conference in Bologna, organised by the Emilia-Romagna Region, where she stressed the importance of post-2027 cohesion policy and the effective use of EU funds to reduce disparities and support sustainable development across European territorie
• On 10 May, the European Committee of the Regions will open its doors to the public, showcasing how it represents regions and cities in the EU, and everything that regional and local elected politicians do for citizens. Visitors will learn how their region voices its interests in the EU, and they will have the chance to meet local and regional elected politicians and discuss European issues in a direct, informal atmosphere. The traditional Festival of Regions and Cities will treat visitors to a showcase of their preferred tourist spots, traditional music and dance, and various culinary specialties. More information here.

Contact

Theresa Sostmann

Tel: +32475999415

Theresa.Sostmann@cor.europa.eu