3500 local and regional leaders gather in Mons and urge the EU and member states to empower regions and cities to tackle global challenges

The 10th European Summit of Regions and Cities, co-organised by the European Committee of the Regions and the Wallonia Region, kicked-off on March 18 in Mons with a strong participation of regional and local representatives. EU investment for a just transition, digitalisation, gender equality and integration were the key topics of the first day sessions. ​

The President of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), Vasco Alves Cordeiro, and Wallonia Region's Minister-President, Elio Di Rupo, together with more than 3500 mayors, councillors, regional ministers, representatives of the European Parliament, the European Commission, national governments, and civil society, discussed the role of regional and local authorities and the cross-cutting issues faced by local communities around the world with top representatives of the global, EU and national levels.

Contributors to the debate included Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, Fatimetou Abdel Malick, President of Nouakchott Region, Chair of the Africa Section of the World Organization of United Cities and Local Governments, Sérgio Aguiar, President of the National Union of State Legislators (Brazil), Brian Patrick Kennedy, President of the National Conference of State Legislatures (United States), Rudi Vervoort, Minister-President of the Brussels-Capital Region, Tetiana Yehorova-Lutsenko, Chair of the Kharkiv Regional Council (Ukraine).

The Summit represents a key moment in shaping the vision of regions and cities for the future of Europe, 11 weeks ahead of the European elections, and a few days before a crucial European Council. The key priorities for a stronger, fairer and more resilient Europe discussed today will be enshrined in a declaration that will be handed over to Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, representing the Belgian presidency of the EU Council, on Tuesday morning.

The 10th European Summit of Regions and cities marks the 30th anniversary of the European Committee of the Regions, the political assembly of local and regional representatives within the EU institutions. Over 3500 local and regional representatives from 59 countries and all 5 continents gather to address the subnational response to overcome global challenges and to call on European leaders to ensure that all EU policies are anchored in the local and regional level, thus reinforcing the democratic legitimacy and efficiency of the EU.

Quotes:

President of the European Committee of the Regions, Vasco Alves Cordeiro, said: “Europe only happens because cities and regions make it happen. This Summit does not only mark the 30th anniversary of the European Committee of the Regions, but it is the moment when, for the first time, local and regional leaders from all continents get together to discuss global challenges and put forward a vision for the future. More than ever, we show that the role of regions and cities is key to strengthening democracy and tackling the challenges affecting people's lives across the globe."

Elio Di Rupo (BE/PES), Minister-President of the Wallonia Region, Member of the European Committee of the Regions, said: “Europe today is facing major upheavals and threats. No State, region or city can tackle these challenges alone. We are called upon to combine all our strengths, and as local and regional authorities, we can rely on specific assets: a very detailed knowledge of the realities on the ground, responsiveness, flexibility, and so on. Alongside their role of highly effective hubs for the implementation of decisions taken at higher levels, cities and regions are powerful drivers of change, modernisation, investment in the future and the protection of citizens. It is therefore essential to place cities and regions at the heart of the European decision-making process."

President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, addressed in a video message: “We saw the importance of local and regional authorities during the pandemic. We saw it when you opened your hearts and your homes to Ukrainian refugees, when you rallied to provide thousands of electricity supplying generators of hope for Ukraine at war. We see it when you lend support to Erasmus students, newcomers and migrants. Not only do local authorities assure the proper functioning of all public services, but they also advise central governments and European institutions on the most effective ways to protect our citizens."

Antonio Guterres, secretary-general of the United Nations, declared in a video message: “Our world is facing thrilling times, from conflicts and geopolitical tensions to a cost-of-living crisis, deepening inequalities and the triple planetary crisis of climate, biodiversity and pollution. European regions and cities are on the front lines of these challenges, and local leaders are vital for global solutions. We need regions and cities to build resilient infrastructure, create green jobs, promote diversity, and build strong social bonds within communities. We need your voices and active participation on peace and security, on reforming the global financial architecture, on digital governance and more."

Useful links:

• Full programme of the Summit
• Media programme
• Photos
• Video recordings
  

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