European Committee of the Regions Embarks on New Mandate: Key Priorities and Events

In a significant gathering in Brussels, the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) has kicked off its new mandate for the period 2025-2030. This pivotal event, marking the beginning of a five-year term, saw the participation of key figures and the outlining of critical priorities that will shape the future of Europe's regions and cities.

Inaugural Session and Key Speakers

The 164th CoR Plenary Session, held on February 19-20, 2025, was the inaugural event of the new mandate. This session was addressed by António Costa, the President of the European Council, who emphasized the importance of regional and local authorities in EU policy-making. Other notable speakers included Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Cohesion and Reforms, and Dan Jørgensen, European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, who engaged in debates on cohesion policy and the housing crisis, respectively[2].

Priorities for the New Mandate

The ECR Group, one of the political groups within the CoR, has outlined several key priorities for the upcoming mandate. These include:

A Safer Europe

The ECR Group is committed to enhancing security at the local level, focusing on strong border management to combat illegal immigration and protect citizens from external threats, including terrorism. They also emphasize the need to combat antisemitism and all forms of radicalisation, as well as tackling drug-related violence through education and awareness programs[1].

A Reformed Cohesion Policy

The group advocates for an impactful and efficient cohesion policy post-2027, aimed at strengthening economic, social, and territorial cohesion and reducing regional disparities. This policy should be aligned with the EU's main priorities, including competitiveness and resilience, and provide greater support for just transition, rural and border regions, infrastructure, research, and innovation[1].

Competitiveness

Enhancing Europe's competitiveness is a top priority, with a focus on revitalising the EU economy by deepening the Single Market, protecting European businesses and industry from costly regulations, and investing in SMEs and innovation. The group believes in empowering Member States, cities, and regions to take ownership of their future and enact policies tailored to their local realities[1].

A Just Transition

The ECR Group supports a gradual and just transition for Europe's industries and transport sectors, guided by technological neutrality. They advocate for supporting the European automotive industry and regions in transition, and have called for the reversal of the 2035 ban on combustion engines to reduce transport costs for citizens[1].

Food Sovereignty

The group emphasizes the importance of food security and a profitable agricultural sector. They call for a simplified Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) that empowers farmers and rewards their efforts, and highlight the need to support young people in rural areas with access to services, leisure, and employment opportunities[1].

Right to Remain

Addressing Europe's demographic crisis is crucial, with a focus on family-friendly policies that enable individuals and families to remain in their communities. This includes ensuring access to quality education, efficient healthcare, and stable employment, as well as fostering strong digital and transport connectivity to bridge gaps between urban and rural areas[1].

Additional Highlights

The plenary session also included a ceremony for the Mayor Paweł Adamowicz Award, which honors local leaders who have made significant contributions to promoting democracy and human rights. The award ceremony featured several distinguished guests, including Marta Kos, Commissioner for Enlargement, and Vitali Klitschko, Mayor of Kyiv[2].

As the CoR embarks on this new mandate, it is clear that the coming years will be marked by a strong focus on regional and local issues, aiming to ensure the prosperity, security, and sustainability of Europe's diverse regions and cities. For expats in Spain and across Europe, these developments will be closely watched as they have the potential to impact local communities and the broader European landscape.