Against the backdrop of the COVID pandemic, the war in Ukraine and ahead of the conclusion of the Conference on the Future of Europe, local and regional leaders gathered in Marseille to share their vision of a European Union that responds more effectively to the needs and aspirations of citizens.
The first hybrid European Summit of Regions and Cities gathered 1800 onsite and some 1300 online participants contributing to debates on resilient communities, cohesion as a fundamental value and building the House of European Democracy. The Summit saw the launch of a co-creation process for a European Charter on Youth and Democracy.
Given the geopolitical situation, the opening session was dedicated to solidarity with Ukraine. The Declaration of the European Union’s Regions and Cities on solidarity with Ukraine was adopted by acclamation and Vitali Klitschko, Mayor of Kyiv, was awarded the title of honorary member of the CoR.
The "Marseille Manifesto" captured the message of local and regional elected representatives addressed to the Conference on the Future of Europe.
