Statement of the President of the European Committee of the Regions on the new College of Commissioners

"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 confirm again our strong willingness to work together for a stronger and fairer European Union.

"The full engagement of local and regional authorities will be essential to deliver on the key challenges faced by our Union, such as the climate crisis, access to housing, preparing for enlargement, and many more. We welcome that this College can count on several members who had the opportunity to lead their cities and regions as well as to serve as members of the European Committee of the Regions. The power to deliver on these challenges lies in the hands of local and regional authorities across Europe, as they implement more than 70% of EU legislation and are responsible for half of public expenditure in the EU. To keep doing so, regions and cities will need a stronger and renewed cohesion policy, built with all regions, through the spirit of partnership, shared management, multi-level governance and a place-based approach. Therefore, we count on the commitment of the new Executive Vice-President for cohesion and reforms to work hand in hand with the European Committee of the Regions to put forward an ambitious proposal for cohesion policy.

"We will work as a loyal and constructive partner with the European Commission, to ensure that regions and cities are given 'the political importance they deserve', as stated by President von der Leyen, especially in view of the next multiannual financial framework."