Mr. Tzitzikostas, in his speech at the 10th European Conference on Regions and Cities, also made a special reference to Cyprus, pointing out that today there is a European region in a European EU member state that is still under occupation.
The crucial role of the Regions and Municipalities in dealing with all modern challenges was highlighted by the first vice-president of the European Committee of the Regions and regional governor of Central Macedonia Apostolos Tzitzikostas from the floor of the 10th European Conference on Regions and Cities, held in the Belgian city of Mons. Without the Regions and Municipalities, there is no future for the European Union, explained Mr. Tzitzikostas and emphasized that our vision for the future of Europe must have its roots in local communities.
Citizens demand an EU that can act and not just react, lead and not just follow, protect, innovate, inspire, look forward without leaving any or any region behind, noted its former president European Committee of the Regions.
He also proposed that today there is a greater need than ever to forge the soul of Europe and to give citizens the opportunity to co-create common future policies. Today more than ever there is a need to strengthen EU policies, such as Cohesion, and to have public investment and new sources for the Community budget, he added.
He further referred to the need to bridge the gap between European citizens and European institutions. In particular, he emphasized that citizens should better participate in the decision-making process.
He made special reference to solidarity and sustainable prosperity. “They will lead us into the future,” he said, noting that both solidarity and sustainable prosperity begin in cities, villages and regions.
In this context, he advocated the further promotion of cohesion funds.
He did not fail to mention the Cyprus problem, saying that even today there is a European region in a European EU member state that is still under occupation. This cannot be forgotten, it cannot be accepted, Mr. Tzitzikostas announced to applause.
On the sidelines of the Conference, Mr. Tzitzikostas met with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croix, Commission Vice-President Dubravka Suica, EU Cohesion and Reforms Commissioner Elisa Ferreira and Wallonia Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo.
Source: Skai
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