The future of Europe lies in the hands of young people. This is true also at local and regional level. For two days, young local and regional politicians are meeting in Bucharest for the 8th European Summit of Regions and Cities, organised by the European Committee of the Regions.
In a meeting organised by the PES Group in the European Committee of the Regions, thirty-six local and regional councillors exchanged ideas on the challenges ahead for Europe and on how to make the voice of young local and regional leaders heard at European level.
The meeting was opened by Catiuscia Marini, President of the PES Group and President of Umbria Region (Italy):
“I hope some of you will be members of the next @EU_CoR. We need a new generation to re-new our institution and the European Union too!”
— PES Group Committee of the Regions (@PES_CoR) March 14, 2019
—@CatiusciaMarini welcoming the young progressive local and regional leaders at #EULocal pic.twitter.com/5WoNYdExtv
Several participants took the floor to share their experience and their expectations for Europe:
“We need to improve the real life of people.”
— PES Group Committee of the Regions (@PES_CoR) March 14, 2019
“We need to work on social policies to make sure no people are left behind!”
“We need to bring EU closer to people but also make them feel they are Europe!”
Great ideas by young progressive leaders for #FutureOfEurope #EULocal pic.twitter.com/5REzGSJEAP
Rosa Balas Torres, PES Group Member of the European Committee of the Regions and Director-General for External Relations of the Extremadura Region in Spain, pointed out:
“The young generation is born with open borders & Erasmus but there’re still huge challenges ahead for the EU. Young politicians should be proactive! #SDGs allow for new mechanisms of participation at local level that can become binding for political parties.”@Rosbalas #EULocal pic.twitter.com/gGRzGr9rzr
— PES Group Committee of the Regions (@PES_CoR) March 14, 2019
Mikkel Näkkäläjärvi, PES Group Member of the European Committee of the Regions and Member of Rovaniemi City Council in Finland, stressed:
“The fight against inequality is the biggest priority for progressives. Climate change can be tackled only if we build a fair and just transition.”
— PES Group Committee of the Regions (@PES_CoR) March 14, 2019
Thanks @Nakkalajarvi for sharing our progressive views on the #FutureOfEurope at #EULocal pic.twitter.com/JJrFMwPXUp
President Marini concluded the meeting, underlining:
We need to work together to communicate Europe in our towns, cities and regions!
— PES Group Committee of the Regions (@PES_CoR) March 14, 2019
We have a role to play as #ProgressiveCities and #ProgressiveRegions for #EP2019 and beyond.
—@CatiusciaMarini closing #EUlocal event with young progressive leaders pic.twitter.com/jQSOkjlVD8
