Regional and local authorities are key actors in protecting endangered species and habitats, and the effective implementation of the EU Nature Directives cannot be achieved without their strong involvement. This EU Local Dialogue, organised by CoR member Csaba Borboly (RO/EPP) in Miercurea Ciuc (Harghita County, Romania), will highlight the importance of local specificities and socio-economic contexts, emphasising that conservation efforts must be closely linked to the realities of regional development.
The discussions will focus on how local strategies can strengthen Member States’ compliance with the Nature Directives and contribute to the EU’s biodiversity targets. Participants will explore the role of regional and local authorities in driving implementation, share good practices from across Europe, and reflect on how to raise awareness among citizens, stakeholders, and communities. Another key theme will be improving synergies with EU funding instruments, ensuring that nature protection becomes more attractive to both public and private investments.
Structured around plenary sessions and keynote speeches, the event aims to increase awareness and knowledge about the Nature Directives, while fostering collaboration and partnerships among stakeholders. By working together, local, regional, and European actors can ensure more effective conservation of endangered species and habitats for the benefit of communities and future generations.