Says Nanette Maupertuis, President of the European Alliance Group at the European Committee of the Regions

On the eve of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU proposing a new EU Budget negotiation box we see a number of EU Member States saying we need to cut budgets. In reality the new proposals give the finance back to Member States via the NRPP Proposals. We need to have Regions in the planning, proposing and implementing phase of funding to the Regions. There is no room for centralisation. There is no time for complacency – include EU Regions.

We held a fantastic group meeting in Galway focussed on “strengthening entrepreneurship in coastal cities and regions while protecting cultural and linguistic heritage”. A super discussion which cumulated in the adoption of the Galway declaration. Our thanks to Declan McDonnell for his invitation and the smooth organization.

Learning about our maritime was also part of our Galway programme and the study visit to the Marine Institute Foras na Mara was fascinating. It’s also great to see Horizon funding being used for really essential work.

Over the past few months our Group have focussed on housing in cooperation with our friends in the EFA group. This was also the focus of the Conference of Presidents in Dublin where our 1st VP Mr Truskolaski gave an example of his city’s initiative for youth housing in Białystok. The more examples we can learn from along with new EU finance, we can make a difference to address the shortage of affordable and social housing.

Lastly there is a need for urgent action on energy and the cost of fuel, as we approach winter months lets hope Energy ministers can initiative measures to help those in need.

Warm regards
Nanette