European Committee of the Regions and Québec team up to tackle global challenges

The President of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), Vasco Alves Cordeiro, and the Québec Minister of International Relations, La Francophonie and the Status of Women, Martine Biron, affirmed their commitment to develop a strong cooperation between Québec and the CoR to better respond to global and societal challenges.

In the joint letter of intent signed today, the European Committee of the Regions, the political assembly of local and regional representatives of the EU, one of the EU's advisory bodies, and the Québec Ministry of Foreign Affairs and La Francophonie commit to deepening cooperation and promote the exchange of good practices, knowledge, and experience in sectors such as the economy, culture, education and environment.

President Vasco Alves Cordeiro and Minister Martine Biron emphasised that the two institutions share the same values regarding democracy, social and territorial cohesion, respect for fundamental rights, the rule of law, and transparency. They also expressed the desire that this newly established collaboration and its promotion of innovative partnerships will strengthen the institutions' capacity to face common challenges on global issues.

The letter of intent establishes five main areas of collaboration:

1. Economic exchanges, in particular the promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises and industrial policy;

2. Cultural and educational exchanges;

3. Environmental and climate issues, particularly looking to strengthen synergies within the framework of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC);

4. Strengthening the role of sub-national institutions and applying the principle of subsidiarity; and

5. Civic involvement and participation.

The President of the European Committee of the Regions and the Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie met on the margins of the 10th European Summit of Regions and Cities, that will take place in Mons, Belgium, on 18-19 March. Minister Biron will speak in the session on Gender Equality at the Summit, which will take place on 18 March at 17:30 CET.

Quotes:​

Vasco Alves Cordeiro, President of the European Committee of the Regions said: "With this agreement, the European Committee of the Regions and the Government of Québec affirm their strong desire to enhance cooperation and work more closely on issues of common concern such as the environment and climate change, civic engagement and participation, or the economy and culture. We also signal the important role played by the subnational level of government in our democracies, as fundamental actors to strengthen the transatlantic relationship and address the challenges that affect our communities and that cross all borders. I am confident that this route we are embarking on now will have a meaningful impact for both the Committee and Québec, its institutions, and the citizens that both serve."

​​Martine Biron, Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie and Minister responsible for the Status of Women, said: "Québec and Europe share a common culture, values and democratic practices.  By beginning our unique partnership with the European Committee of the Regions of the European Union, Québec is expanding his field of influence in Europe and establishing itself more strongly in the largest economic market on the planet. This is the start of a strategic collaboration between Québec and Europe. And a new page of history for Québec's international relations."

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