Empowering local voices: regions and cities urge for stronger participation in the EU legislative process

​Ahead of the upcoming European elections, members of the CoR commission for Citizenship, Governance, Institutional and External Affairs (CIVEX) discussed active subsidiarity and increased participation of local and regional authorities in the EU legislative process, countering disinformation and fighting drug trafficking during the meeting on 10 April.  

Fight of drug trafficking  

In light of the serious threat of illegal drug trade and organized crime in Europe, CIVEX members adopted a draft opinion, calling for comprehensive prevention strategies, including task forces and reference centers, to protect public health, prevent drug-related crimes, and weaken criminal networks considering the increasing availability of drugs and synthetic substances. They further called for a large-scale information campaign to raise citizens' awareness about the health risks of taking drugs and on the consequences of falling victim to criminal networks. 

Matteo Bianchi  (IT/ECR), Member of the Local Assembly of Varese, said: "Half of all homicides in the EU are related to drug trafficking or drug abuse​.​ This is why the opinion calls on all local and regional authorities to intensify cooperation with law enforcement agencies to reduce drug-related violence on the streets of our cities." 

The draft opinion is scheduled to be adopted during the June CoR plenary session.  

Active subsidiarity  

During the meeting, CIVEX members adopted a draft opinion calling for active implementation of subsidiarity, including increased participation of local and regional authorities in the EU legislative process. By developing and improving the current better regulation tools and activities, and through a stronger cooperation with other EU institutions, the EU can effectively achieve its objectives with transparency and efficiency. Moreover, CIVEX members recommend incorporating diverse better regulation tools and consultations with local and regional authorities throughout the decision-making cycle, emphasizing considerations such as territorial impact or rural proofing.  

The adoption was introduced by a debate with Carsten Schierenbeck, member of the Cabinet of the European Commission Executive Vice President Maroš Šefčovič, on the CoR's role in the European decision-making process in light of its 30th anniversary. CIVEX members emphasized the significance of this milestone for reflecting on the CoR's achievements and for suggesting ways to enhance its role and contribution to EU legislation and policies. The need to strengthen cooperation with regional parliaments was addressed with a video message from José Manuel Rodrigues, President of the Conference of European Regional Legislative Assemblies (CALRE). 

Mark Speich (DE/EPP), State Secretary for Federal, European and International Affairs of the State of North Rhine Westphalia, said: "In the year of the European elections, criticism of Europe is particularly loud and many argue that EU legislation has moved too far away from reality.If regions are better able to contribute their concrete on-site implementation experiences in Brussels, this will improve EU legislation and reduce bureaucracy.“ 

The draft opinion is scheduled to be adopted during the June CoR plenary session 

Disinformation 

During a debate on countering disinformation in light of the 2024 European elections, CIVEX members highlighted that EU citizens are deeply concerned about various forms of interference in elections, with a significant majority worried about disinformation influencing voting decisions and secret foreign influence. Addressing these threats requires a coordinated EU strategy encompassing prevention, detection, and debunking of foreign interference, involving local and regional authorities, educational institutions, and civil society organizations. They underlined that media pluralism and reliable journalism are crucial in this regard with LRAs playing a crucial role in countering manipulation at the local and regional levels. 

Fight against migrant smuggling 

In a debate with a representative of the European Commission, CIVEX members addressed the pressing challenges posed by migrant smuggling, highlighting that it is essential to bolster the resilience in regions and cities so that they can provide comprehensive protection to migrants and foster their integration through talent partnerships. Furthermore, implementing measures to disrupt the economic systems exploited by smugglers and addressing root causes of migration are crucial steps in dismantling smuggling networks. The CoR involvement in the works of the Global Alliance to Counter Migrant Smuggling was also requested.

Also during the meeting  

The chair of the CIVEX commission, Patrick Molinoz (FR/PES), opened the “Tolerance Polster Show", an exhibition aiming to respond to to rampant discrimination and prejudices on different grounds all over the world as part of the Tolerance Project. It was conceptualised by a New York-based activist and designer of Bosnian origin, Mirko Ilic, who emigrated shortly before the war in ex-Yugoslavia to the USA. Mr Molinoz stressed the importance of being systematically "reminded that democracy cannot be taken for granted and that the values underpinning it - such as tolerance, freedom and respect of diversity - are in constant need of protection". The poster exhibition will remain at the European Committee of the Regions until the Open Day of the EU institutions on 4 May, when it will be available for all visitors in the 5th floor foyer.

Members of the CIVEX commission were also presented the updated guidance on the right to free movement by a representative of the European Commission and were shown the short documentary film “The Lost Paradise. Viktor Marunyak", by Roman Bondarchuk as part of the Reckoning Project from 2023 and they reiterated their full support to Ukrainian mayors, who defend their local communities under life threatening conditions. 

They also agreed to appoint Guido Milana (IT/Renew), member of Olevano Romano Municipal Council, as rapporteur on the own-initiative opinion on “Regions and Municipalities implementing the EU Strategy with Africa". 

More information:  

• The European Commission adopted on 18 October 2023 the EU Roadmap to step up the fight against drug trafficking and criminal networks, building on the legislative and operational initiatives. Given the ever-evolving nature of criminal activities around the world, there is a constant need to adapt and complement the EU collective response and the roadmap sets out concrete and targeted actions to close the emerging gaps.  
• Better Regulation and Active Subsidiarity Steering Group (BRASS-G) of the CoR.