Picture © Commitee of the Regions – https://cor.europa.eu/it
“30 years of the European Committee of the Regions – Local and regional authorities shaping the future of Europe”: this was among the highlights of the 163rd Plenary Session of the European Committee of the Regions, which took place on November 20 – 21, 2024.
The discussion featured contributions from:
– Vasco Alves Cordeiro, President of the European Committee of the Regions,
– Roberta Métsola, President of the European Parliament
– Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, who joined through a video message
and several former Presidents of the CoR who reiterated how, over the years, the constant and conscious efforts of local and regional authorities have helped create stronger, more inclusive, sustainable, and more “European” communities.
Specifically, Roberta Métsola emphasised how people need to be heard and cared of in their daily challenges, to which Europe need to provide solutions, from the ground-up, not just from the top-down.
In light of this, Metsola mentioned the words of Mrs Maddalena Alberti, Executive Director the Association for the Local Democracy Agency Zavidovici – laureate of the Mayor Paweł Adamowicz Award 2023:
Local Democracy Agency Zavidovici change is the result of a constant long-term commitment. And in our 30 years of joint commitment – continues Metsola – we have seen so much change for the better. So I very much look forward to the next three decades of cooperation and success!
Roberta Metsola’s quote hold great significance for us at ALDA, as it reaffirms the impact of our work at the local level. Her words highlight the essential role of local and regional authorities in building stronger, more inclusive communities, a mission that resonates deeply with our efforts. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our members and partners, whose unwavering support drives our shared success. We take immense pride in standing alongside them, working together to create positive change and fostering a more sustainable, European future.
In this occasion, Parliament’s President and political group leaders adopted the following statement marking 1000 days of Russia’s illegal and unjustified war against Ukraine.