The European Committee of the Regions held on April 2 and 3 on the second plenary session of its new term in Brussels.

As a spokesman for the European People’s Party (EPP) in the Committee of the Regions, Attica Regional Governor and EPP Executive Vice President Nikos Chardalias intervened at the Plenary Session of the EIG, announcing the European Union and EPP, in the presence of the European Union and the European Commissioner. Raffaele Fitto, who presented the reschedule and proposals of the EU. For the reforms of regional development funds in Europe’s regions.

EU cohesion policy It is the main funding tool for convergence of regions, supporting innovation, entrepreneurship and infrastructure.

In his speech, Mr. Chardalias emphasized the crucial role of cohesion policy as a cornerstone of the European building, as he characteristically stated “condenses the values ​​for solidarity and balanced development that constitute the promotional force in every new step towards European integration”. At the same time, it recognized its importance as a tool to reduce economic and social inequalities between and within the regions, as well as to enhance transparency, cooperation, synergy, innovation and learning.

Referring to Mr Fitto’s position on the interim revision of political cohesion, Mr. Chardalias welcomed “the early recognition of the need for intrinsic flexibility in order to respond to the new and urgent priorities”. In addition, he supported during his intervention the proposal to “enhance competitiveness, charcoal, defense and safety, as well as to address issues such as financially affordable housing, water durability and energy transition”.

However, Mr Chardalias did not fail to point to individual significant challenges. He emphasized the need for Europe’s recognition “as a mosaic regions with unique needs and priorities, as well as the need to ensure that resources are not detached from important projects already ongoing.” He also underlined the need to find new resources, “through e.g. The removal of the exclusion of “new systems of the same resources” or the redistribution of unsuspecting funds from the mechanism of recovery and resilience. “

In addition, Mr Chardalias warned that “cohesion policy should not be used as a” quick solution “to new European problems, as it is a long -term policy.” Finally, he emphasized the need to avoid decisions on new priorities with a “top -down” approach, which will decentralize cohesion policy and remove powers from local and regional authorities.

In closing, Mr Chardalias emphasized his firm position that “the EU must trust our regional and local authorities, our national management authorities, so that the adoption of European priorities is incorporated into local realities, in the light of balance and realism.”

Defense without shielding our cities and infrastructure, there can be no

In addition to the Plenary of the EPP to the Committee of the Regions (ETF), which preceded the plenary of the committee, the Attica Regional Governor in his recommendation acknowledged the need for a strong strategy and actions that combine Europe’s defense shielding with the strengthening of local infrastructure and cities. “There can be no defense without shielding our cities and infrastructure,” he said, stressing that the EU. It must show greater support for local levels, which are in direct contact with the needs of citizens.

The Regional Governor ended his intervention, stating that the EIG has the potential to bring about significant changes and address issues that have remained unsolved for many years. “Europe can discuss, it can analyze, it may notice, but most importantly we have to work,” he said, stressing that the EIG has all the potential to be a powerful change factor in Europe.

On the sidelines of the Plenary of the EIG and the European People’s Party (EPP) team, Nikos Chardalias had institutional meetings, inter alia, with the President of the European People’s Party at the Sari Rautio (Finland) as well as Tanya Hristova, Mayor Gabrou Regional Governor of Nim (France), as well as with Markku Markkula, the regional governor of Helsinki (Finland) and with Alberto Cirio, Piedmont Regional Governor (Italy). The meetings discussed the organizational issues of the Commission, as well as issues related to the finalization of ELK-ETP positions on individual issues, opinions and resolutions that were included in the agenda of plenary issues.