Archive for category: News

The EU’s Committee of the Regions began its 167^th plenary session on Wednesday 2^nd July in the European Parliament’s Hemicycle. The session featured nine opinions and four debates. The session was marked by a high level of Irish contributions, particularly during the debate on UN Climate Change Conference 2025 in Belém, Brazil (COP30).

The first debate of the session was ‘Sustainable Tourism’ with former CoR President and current Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas. The Commissioner noted that “Tourism is a vital sector for Europe’s economic growth with over 3 million SMEs that supports 20 million jobs and contributes an average of 10% to the EU’s GDP.  The European Commission is working on the first ever EU Strategy for Sustainable Tourism, which we will present in spring 2026. We have recently launched a targeted consultation, and we look forward to receiving the insights and proposals from the European Committee of the Regions and the numerous destinations it represents. Your contributions are very important for building a strategy that strikes a balance between economic growth and the well-being of local communities, while promoting climate change adaptation and data-driven management. The crucial role of Regional and Local Authorities and their Destination Management Organizations is essential to this end: the strategy’s success will depend on our shared commitment and our close cooperation.”

In response to the Commissioner’s remarks, CoR members raised concerns over the growing imbalance in tourism and underlined the urgent need to support destinations that require different approaches to manage tourism flows, including limiting or redirecting the flows or restricting the supply of short-term rentals. They highlighted the impact of climate change on European destinations and emphasised the importance of working with local communities on issues like water distribution, housing, mobility and spatial planning.

Cllr. Caroline Dwane Stanley noted that “For us to be able to develop sustainably we need adaptable and focussed assistance not only to develop locally based models of tourism but also sustainable access to those tourism locations.

Many areas such as my own County Laois have limited public transport access from the main airports and this means that there is an over concentration of tourists being drawn to the main cities. So, I would like to see sustainable tourism not only being year-round but also better distributed across regions…

…I would call for more investment, via cohesion and other funding for, sustainable transport to access some rural areas currently programmed under just transition funding and more focus on locally based sustainable tourism cooperation.”

The debate came as the European Commission conducts a public consultation open until 31^st  August, and in parallel prepares an implementation report on the Council conclusions on the European Agenda for Tourism 2030, both of which will contribute to the EU’s next strategy for sustainable tourism.

The second item on the agenda was a debate on the ‘Post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)’ with Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen. This debate came in the context of the expected reform of CAP post-2027 and concerns over proposals to shift budget control to national governments by merging funds and reallocating resources.

The Commissioner said little to quell these concerns, however, he did recognise the role of local and regional authorities in his address “As discussions begin on the next CAP and the post-2027 EU budget, we must sound the alarm: without strong, sustained investment and fair conditions, this vision risks becoming just another paper promise. Local and regional authorities see firsthand the pressures farmers face and likewise the pressure of these sectors on nature. We know that resilience cannot be built on shrinking support.”

Speaking during the debate, Cllr Dwane Stanley noted “As we look toward the Post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy, the Committee of the Regions firmly believes that our farmers and rural communities must remain at the heart of Europe’s agricultural vision.

They are not just food producers they are guardians of our landscapes, our cultural heritage, and our food sovereignty.

We welcome the Commission’s emphasis on agriculture as a strategic sector. Yet, we stress the need for a stronger regional and local dimension in the CAP. A one-size-fits-all policy cannot reflect the diverse challenges faced by our regions-from mountain farmers to coastal communities. Our communities must be empowered in the governance of Strategic Plans, with the flexibility to respond swiftly in times of local crisis.

The CAP must be more than a subsidy tool it must ensure fair incomes, especially for young and small-scale farmers. We advocate for simplified income support tools, and stronger market regulation, including mechanisms to prevent the sale of products below production cost. Equity must guide our reforms. Small and medium-sized farms are the backbone of European agriculture, yet they often struggle to compete. The post-2027 CAP should ensure fair distribution of funds, with specific support for smaller farms, young farmers, and rural communities. This includes access to markets, training, and infrastructure development. By levelling the playing field, we can foster a vibrant and diverse agricultural landscape.

Our rural areas also need renewed vitality. That means aligning CAP instruments with rural development goals, improving access to funding, and recognising the crucial role of local innovation through LEADER and CLLD programmes.

Let me stress: the green transition must go hand in hand with social justice. If we ask farmers to do more for the climate and biodiversity, we must match that with adequate financial support and practical solutions.

In conclusion, the post-2027 CAP reform is an opportunity to build a future-proof agricultural policy that champions sustainability, innovation, and equity. Let us work together to create a CAP that not only meets the needs of today but also anticipates the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. By doing so, we can ensure a thriving agricultural sector that supports our farmers, our environment, and our future generations. Commissioner, we are ready to work hand in hand.

But Europe’s regions must be not just consulted they must be truly involved in shaping and delivering the future CAP.”

The final debate of the first day was on the topic of ‘Water Resilience’ with Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall. The debate focused on the three objectives of the 2025 Water Resilience Strategy:

• Restore and protect the water cycle as the basis for water supply, from source to sea. Effective implementation of the existing EU framework is key, including the Water Framework Directive, the Flood Management Directive, and the Nature Restoration Regulation. Further efforts are needed to protect resources, boost sustainability, improve water retention on land, and tackle pollutants in drinking water.
• Build a water-smart economy to boost competitiveness, attract investment and promote the EU’s water industry: Improve water efficiency and sustainable water management. The Recommendation on Water Efficiency First provides guiding principles to reduce water consumption and sets an EU-wide goal to improve water efficiency by 2030.
• Secure clean and affordable water and sanitation for all, and empower consumers for water resilience: Access to safe drinking water and sanitation is a human right. Support is needed to bring clean water and sanitation to some regions and vulnerable groups, and improve water treatment to remove dangerous pollution, pathogens and diseases.

Speaking during the debate, Cllr. Declan McDonnell noted that “Climate change is bringing more frequent droughts and floods, threatening our agriculture and communities. Water is a strategic asset for our economy and security.

Our water faces pollution, overuse and uneven distribution across regions. We need a broad EU approach to water resilience that recognises water value at every level of government. Last year the plenary adopted an opinion by my group on creating an EU blue deal from an agriculture perspective, where we called for a long-term water resilience strategy with water being recognised as a strategic asset for the EU in the next MFF.

My own city Galway, given our location on the Wild Atlantic Way we are exposed to heavy rainfall and flooding, due to Atlantic storms. But there are also longer dry spells due to climate change.

We have in the past faced water contamination crisis that have affected thousands. This has been addressed with heavy investment in water infrastructure.

For tourism, not only do we need clean water for living, but we also need clean coastal and inland waters, which is necessary to maintain the unique environment we have.

In conclusion, water must be treated as a strategic asset for the European Union and for local and regional authorities. They must be fully involved in shaping and implementing water policy and respecting subsidiary policy.

We must have CAP funding to boost the resilience of the ground.”

Following the debate, the plenary was asked to vote on a series of four opinions, starting with Rapporteur-General Roberto Ciambetti’s (IT/ECR) ‘Market regulations and support measures in the wine sector’. This opinion offered ten amendments to the Commission’s proposal of the same name, which includes measures for: surplus prevention, planting flexibility, stronger climate support, harmonised labelling and promotion of wine tourism.

Regarding harmonised labelling, the opinion calls for Member States to “postpone [label changes] in light of the multiple ongoing crises”, however Ireland’s Alcohol Health Labelling legislation was not mentioned during the course of the debate. The opinion was adopted.

The second opinion for adoption was rapporteur Joke Schauvliege’s (BE/EPP) ‘Vision for Agriculture’. This opinion followed many of the same themes as the debate on the Future of CAP, with the rapporteur explicitly noting their regret that the Vision for Agriculture and Food does not mention the need to strengthen the regional dimension of the CAP to bring policy options into line with specific place and sector-based characteristics. Following the debate, the opinion was adopted by majority.

The third opinion of the session was William Elofsson’s (SE/EPP) ‘The Clean Industrial Deal’. The rapporteur used the opinion to stress that a strong regional dimension is essential. They believe that the EU must support diverse territorial needs by enabling partnerships across all levels of governance, and by involving local and regional authorities in implementation.  The opinion was subsequently adopted.

The fourth opinion of the session was rapporteur Åsa Ågren Wikström’s (SE/EPP) ‘More than funding: local and regional authorities mobilising public and private resources for an effective follow-up on the Clean Transition Dialogues on the ground’. Central to the opinion is the championing of the concept of multilevel governance with local and regional authorities as platforms for growth and transition. To this end, the rapporteur calls on the European Commission to regularly include LRAs in transition dialogues, as they argue that most decarbonisation projects are implemented in cities and regions. The opinion was adopted.

Speaking during the debate Irish member Cllr. Kieran McCarthy noted as gaeilge “What I like in this opinion is that it contains a lot of ideas concerning a localised approach, to consolidate supply chains. It is evident that the clean industrial deal will not succeed unless the regions and councils are fully involved. From the six or so points contained in this opinion in relation to clean industry, it is clear that it is high time that institutes work together with the regions to achieve their objectives.”

Cllr. Dan Boyle immediately followed noting that “In unity there is strength, never has there been a need for such unity and such strength in our coherence and thinking.

The whole purpose of clean transition dialogues, is not to avoid the need for progress, not to deny the need for progress,  to achieve progress. We need to be consistent in how we are doing this, my city is one of the one hundred and twelve cities participating in the climate neutral and smart city programme and one of the 39 cities in the EU mission label as part of that there will be benefits in common approaches and shared learnings but there is need for appropriate funding to meet the ambitious targets, that are very ambitious and are unlikely to be made, but the journey itself is where we need to be and we need to share these journeys and learnings. Hopefully the positive the clean transition dialogues are a way to do so.”

The final opinion of the first day of plenary was rapporteur Tine Radinja’s (SI/GREENS) ‘Intergenerational Fairness: A Local and Regional Approach to Building Inclusive and Sustainable Societies’. The opinion highlights the importance of local and regional authorities (LRAs) in promoting intergenerational solidarity and notes that it is possible to foster intergenerational exchanges by increasing the participation and representation of both young and older people in public life, thereby strengthening social fabric and encouraging participatory democracy for all ages.  LRAs can also facilitate intergenerational learning, such as mentoring and experience-sharing, through community-based activities (e.g., in libraries, museums, and cultural institutions), if they have adequate funding.

Speaking during the debate Irish member Cllr. Kieran McCarthy noted as gaeilge “What I like in this opinion is that it contains a lot of ideas concerning a localised approach, to consolidate supply chains. It is evident that the clean industrial deal will not succeed unless the regions and councils are fully involved. From the six or so points contained in this opinion in relation to clean industry, it is clear that it is high time that institutes work together with the regions to achieve their objectives.”

The opinion was adopted unanimously, bringing day one of the session to a close.

Day two began with a presentation from the CoR trainees on their [Y] Factor project ‘YEPs on the Ground’, which sought to give exposure to the work of Young Elected Politicians. Irish councillor Mairin McGrath took part in one of the interviews as part of the project. Speaking on the project both Cllr. Kieran McCarthy and Cllr. Dan Boyle congratulated the trainees on their hard work, Cllr. Boyle doing so as gaeilge.

The presentation was followed by the first opinion of the morning, Jelena Drenjanin’s (SE/EPP) ‘A simpler and faster Europe’. Echoing the findings of the Draghi report on competitiveness, the opinion calls attention to the mounting complexity of EU regulation and its constraining effect on Europe’s economic potential. It warns against legislative overload and underlines the importance of strategic foresight in shaping future-proof policies. While simplification is encouraged, the rapporteur stresses that high standards in democracy, environmental protection, and social policy must not be compromised.

Local and regional authorities—responsible for implementing up to 70% of EU legislation—are seen as pivotal actors. The Commission is urged to deepen structured engagement with these stakeholders, particularly through implementation dialogues and tools such as the ComPAct initiative.

Speaking during the debate, Cllr. Kieran McCarthy notes “The rapporteur is right to call for various initiatives to be reviewed and to decrease burdens and increase simplification measures. I think this opinion as well will also form a key counter document for the draft MFF programme that will appear in the next two weeks.

We have seen recently the growth of centralisation. It is getting clearer as we approach mid-July that many of the points in this strong opinion before us are under threat of dilution. It is important that we fight strongly for the ideas in this opinion and create a strong counter strategy for the more negative proposals that come before the CoR in the next two weeks. Madame President, without the local and regional authorities we will have a more complex and slower Europe instead of the simpler and faster Europe that we all need.”

Following the debate the opinion was adopted unanimously.

The second opinion of the morning was Danniela Cimpean’s (RO/EPP) ‘Cybersecurity of hospitals and healthcare providers’. The opinion was in response to the European Commission’s new action plan aimed at bolstering the cybersecurity of hospitals and healthcare providers. The opinion came in the context of Member States reporting 309 significant cybersecurity incidents affecting the healthcare sector in 2023 – more than in any other critical sector. The opinion was adopted.

The first debate of day two was on the UN Climate Change Conference 2025 in Belém, Brazil (COP30). Following COP29, there was a feeling that local and regional governments had laid a framework for advancing more multilevel action. The plenary discussed which actions they would like to see in COP30.

The debate was notable for the level of Irish input, with four members speaking. Firstly Cllr. Clare Colleran Molloy, who noted that “Like in many places across Europe, in Ireland, the climate crisis is no longer abstract. It is local, immediate, and personal.

In my own County Clare, parts of the Atlantic coastline are disappearing to the sea. Coastal erosion and rising sea levels threaten heritage, livelihoods, and entire communities. In the County Cork, we’ve seen families displaced and businesses devastated by unprecedented floods — three so-called ‘once-in-a-century’ events in the past decade alone.

Our farmers, the stewards of our land, are facing a changed climate: longer droughts, irregular rainfall, soil degradation. Crop reliability is decreasing, while stress and costs mount. This is not just an environmental issue — it’s a rural justice issue.

But we are not standing still. Across Ireland, there is proof of what can be done when there is political will and European cooperation.

In the Shannon Estuary, a region once known for heavy industry and emissions, we are building the future. Plans are underway to transform it into a renewable energy hub — combining offshore wind, green hydrogen, and port infrastructure. The estuary will not just cut emissions — it will create thousands of sustainable jobs, attract clean investment, and support Ireland’s goal of becoming a net exporter of clean energy.

At Moneypoint, once Ireland’s last coal-fired power plant, we are turning a page. It is being redeveloped into a centre for green innovation. This is the just transition in practice — where fossil jobs are replaced with clean, dignified work, powered by European vision and investment.

Our agriculture sector is adapting too. With EU-supported schemes like ACRES, farmers are rewetting peatlands, planting native trees, and improving soil health. These efforts are cutting emissions while restoring ecosystems. They prove that nature-based solutions are real and effective.

So yes, the path is difficult — but it is not impossible.

We urge the EU to lead on climate finance. The Loss and Damage Fund must be operational and accessible before Belém. No empty pledges — real money, delivered fairly.

Finally, we must protect what is irreplaceable. The Amazon, like Ireland’s peatlands and wetlands, is not just a carbon sink — it is a living system. Europe must support Brazil’s efforts, including the Tropical Forest Forever Facility, and invest in nature-based climate solutions.”.

She was followed by Cllr. Kieran McCarthy who stated that “I’ve been working on COP conferences for many years. There has been achievement on recognition of local and regional authorities, that must be said. Also for several years there has been a push strategically to get more, for higher ambitions, for stronger multilevel cooperation and a Just Transition. There has been momentum on that, but we have to push strategically even more. As well as that, I think all parties in COP need to adopt a genuine multilevel approach as recognized in the COP28 consensus. We have the plans, the enthusiasm and the will to help you so please harness us in Brazil.

As well as that, I equally share the perspective that winning public support is essential. At every stage, authorities and developers should engage with citizens. For example, when developing stakeholder engagement plans to address community concerns and build trust.

Stakeholder engagement plans foster democratic participation and transition and encourage active participation. With the right support, local and regional authorities can deliver our bold climate action plans.”

Next to contribute was Cllr. Caroline Dwane Stanley who spoke of her hometown of Portlaoise as it is “set to become Ireland’s first ‘Low Carbon Town Centre’.

We’ve sought to reduce the impact of car use in the town, support more active travel through walking and cycling, and invest in infrastructure that supports these goals.

The greatest success of this project is the creation of two new dedicated bus routes through the town, greatly reliving traffic through the town centre.

However, for this work to continue, we must be supported financially. Currently less than 10% of climate finance funds are spent on local action.

I am urging the President to call for more dedicated local and regional climate funding in Belem!”

The final Irish contribution was from Cllr. Mick Cahill who noted “The challenge facing Europe is clear, the temperature in April 2024 was warmer than any previous April on record. This isn’t a once off, between April 2023 and April 2024 we lived through 11 months in a row where the temperature record was broken.

The only way to challenge this change is from the ground up.

In Ireland local authorities continue to be the critical delivery body for climate action. They continue to be the level of governance that achieves the greatest public buy-in for climate action through progressive policies.

We need to be supported, not just in words, but through finance. I am urging the EU to ensure to ensure that local ambitions are met with ambitious financial support!”

Following the debate, rapporteur Nadia Pellefigue’s (FR/PES) opinion ‘Climate Action implementation in view of the EU contribution to UNFCCC COP30’ was also adopted.

The plenary subsequently moved to discuss rapporteur Tine Radinja’s (SI/GREENS) ‘Intergenerational Fairness: A Local and Regional Approach to Building Inclusive and Sustainable Societies’. His opinion urges the integration of intergenerational perspectives into EU regulations, increased investment in awareness and sustainability programmes, and the adoption of new governance models that overcome short-term thinking. It highlights the role of local and regional authorities in promoting equity, environmental protection, and age-diverse, inclusive decision-making to address intergenerational inequalities and strengthen cohesion across age groups.

Speaking during the debate, Cllr Declan McDonnell stated that “Obviously we must consistently review and adapt our laws to protect our coming generations.

There are a number of areas that we must adjust urgently, however, at the same time we have to be careful not to leave large parts of aging, of which many are disabled – population behind. We need targeted EU support to expand accessibility in public infrastructure, long-term care and affordable adapted housing. We must increase public resources for care of older people and enhance state support for family carers.

Accessibility should be treated as a horizontal priority in EU programmes, particularly in aging and rural regions, where gaps in mobility, housing and digital access are widening.”

He was followed by Cllr. Kieran McCarthy who noted that “This opinion is key to fostering a more sustainable and inclusive society. I would like to thank the rapporteur for including that future proofing policies should include strong public investment in universal social infrastructure and healthcare, childcare, education and housing. As fundamental enablers of intergenerational solidarity and mobility. I would also like to thank the rapporteur for their continued call for the European Commissioner to apply a transparent Youth Check. I would also like to welcome the European Commission’s consultation to secure 150 citizens and a public forum as a follow on to the Conference on the Future of Europe”

The opinion was adopted by the plenary.

The final item was rapporteur-general Christophe Rouillon’s (FR/PES) urgent opinion on the ‘Revision of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund’. The opinion offered 9 amendments to the legislation, reiterating the CoR’s call for a lower threshold for redundancies, whether within the same enterprise or in particular sectors. They believe this better reflects the actual situation on the ground, specifically in regions that are less populated and where SMEs are the main type of business, and hopes this decrease will lead to greater use and mobilisation of the EGF. The rapporteur proposes that the threshold be set at 150 instead of 200 jobs.

The opinion was adopted, concluding the plenary session. The next session will take place on the 14^th and 15^th October to coincide with the European Week of Regions and Cities.

The 165^th EU Committee of the Regions plenary session started on Wednesday, 2nd April, in the European Parliament’s Hemicycle. It marked the second of the new mandate and began with a debate on the concerns and priorities of the Polish presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The Polish presidency, which commenced in January, is working under the motto ‘Security, Europe’ and has seven dimensions:

1. Defence and security
2. Protection of people and borders
3. Resistance to foreign interference and disinformation
4. Ensuring security and freedom of business
5. Energy transition
6. Competitive and resilient agriculture
7. Health security

Following the debate, the plenary adopted the CoR’s Draft Budget 2026. The 2026 draft budget is based on the final 2025 budget of €130.45 million, which represented a 5.9% increase from 2024. The CoR’s Commission for Financial and Administrative Affairs (CFAA), which prepared the Draft Budget submissions, proposed another 8.9% increase for 2026. The majority of this increase concerns fixed costs, such as wage inflation and rent. The plenary adopted the budget, however, members did note that there is an onus on the institution to explore ways to reduce costs going forward.

The first opinion of the day was Stephen De Ron’s (LU/GREENS) “The local and regional perspective in the implementation of the Rule of Law in the European Union”. The opinion highlights the challenges to the rule of law, such as judicial independence, media freedom, and civic participation, which, in turn, the rapporteur argues, weakens territorial cohesion and the legitimacy of European actions.

Having adopted De Ron’s opinion, the plenary turned its attention to two Local Matters. Local Matters are topics submitted for debate by CoR members ahead of plenary and this debate focused on two; firstly, the highly topical “Local dimension of the new U.S tariff policy on European agri-food products”, and secondly “Enhancing connectivity for EU islands”.

Irish Delegation member, Cllr. Caroline Dwane Stanley (IE/ EA) contributed to the first debate, she noted that “The impending tariffs being proposed by President Trump, will cause huge instability in world trade and the economic consequences could be devastating for an open market like Ireland which has built a lot of its economic growth and expansion from a period of globalisation and economic policy of free trade around the world.”  She concluded her contribution by noting that “In a new world of erratic leadership, it would be great to see some calm and strategic leadership from the European Union.”

A debate on local and regional perspectives on enlargement with Commissioner for enlargement Marta Kos followed this. The debate repeated the CoR’s central message on enlargement – ‘a successful and sustainable accession process must engage LRAs from the very beginning’. This involvement is not only practical—given that over 70% of EU legislation is implemented at local and regional level—but strategic. The long-term stability and democratic legitimacy of accession depend on reforms taking root within communities, not being imposed from above.

Following the debate, the CoR adopted two opinions concerning enlargement firstly Aleksandra Dulkiewicz’s (PL/EPP) “Enlargement package 2024 – Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia” and secondly, Jean-Luc Vanraes’ (BE/RENEW E.) “Enlargement package 2024 – Western Balkans and Türkiye”. Following the adoption of both, the plenary adjourned for the evening.

The plenary resumed on Thursday morning with an opinion by Carlos Mazón Guixot (ES/EPP) entitled “Enhancing EU regional agricultural competitiveness: A comprehensive strategy integrating equitable trade conditions and phytosanitary security”. The opinion emphasises the importance of local and regional perspectives in agricultural production and water resilience, which is critical for securing food supply continuity across the EU. The opinion was duly adopted.

Half an hour later, Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms of the European Commission, Raffaele Fitto, presented the proposals for Cohesion Policy’s Mid-Term Review. He noted that “This proposal aims at ensuring that Cohesion Policy remains not only effective but adapted to unprecedented challenges and realities on the ground. We are giving Member States and regions the opportunity to spend in new specific areas. This is a voluntary choice, and I am committed to defend the core principles of Cohesion Policy, which will remain a fundamental component of the EU long-term budget after 2027.” However, members raised concerns regarding the possible additional administrative burden of the reprogramming exercise and the risk of diverting Cohesion Policy from its long-term objectives.

Speaking on behalf of the European Alliance group, Cllr. Caroline Dwane Stanley (IE) welcomed the mid-term review. “It is necessary and timely. The world around us is changing fast, geopolitically, economically, and socially, and the policy must adapt to these changes.

However, while adjusting to new realities, we should be careful not to drift too far from the core purpose of Cohesion Policy. It was designed to promote social and territorial cohesion, to reduce disparities between regions and ensure that no one is left behind. That goal remains as relevant as ever.  There should be no centralisation but keep the regional hold on planning, management and implementation of Cohesion policy.

On housing, we welcome the stronger focus. In many of our regions we face an acute lack of affordable housing. If the Commission wants to double the funding, we are ready to act. But rules must be clear, permitting simplified, and access straightforward for local authorities.”

The debate was followed by an outlook opinion by Mätta Ivarsson (SE/GREENS) on the forthcoming EU Oceans Pact. A key concern of the opinion is the funding gap affecting maritime activities in response it calls for the establishment of adequate financing for a just transition to a low-impact and regenerative maritime economy and effective protection and restoration of marine ecosystems and scientific research. The rapporteur, therefore, suggests that the Pact should contribute to facilitating the creation of innovative financing mechanisms and incentives to apply sustainable practices. Furthermore, it asks the CoR to consider tailored financing instruments in the next MFF that fit into the local socio-economic fabric.

Following the adoption of the outlook opinion, the plenary subsequently adopted an “urgent resolution on strengthening the territorial dimension in the implementation of the Industrial Action Plan for the European Automotive Sector” and an “urgent resolution on the Arrest of Turkish Mayors and the Assault on Local Democracy in Türkiye”.

The penultimate item on the agenda was a debate on a “Place-based approach to Competitiveness” with a statement from Enrico Letta, former Italian Prime Minister and author of the EU report on the future of the Single Market. Briefing members ahead of the debate, the CoR notes that in order to effectively address major economic and societal challenges, partnerships between the EU level, Member States, regions, cities, the private sector, and other involved stakeholders are essential. Such collaborations, they note, are key to strengthening the competitiveness of European industries, particularly as Europe transitions towards a low-carbon and circular economy, a critical factor in maintaining global competitiveness.

The CoR warns that against this backdrop, the notion of a place-based industrial policy to reinforce EU competitiveness and build a resilient and sustainable Europe is largely absent in the Competitiveness Compass. Furthermore, the CoR feel that the Competitiveness Compass does not sufficiently highlight that policies at different levels and should promote a stronger place-based green and digital dimension in industrial policy and also consider the territorial implications of the twin transitions in the energy intensive branches (such as the automotive industry, the chemical industry and cement and steel production).

Following the debate with Letta, the plenary adopted a draft urgent resolution on a competitive compass for the EU. This concluded the plenary session; the next session will take place on the 14^th and 15^th of May, once again in the Hemicycle.

This plenary session represented the final session before the summer break. The meeting was the first plenary for new Member Cllr Mick Cahill and alternate member Cllr Padraig McEvoy.

The session featured 2 debates and 10 opinions. Due to the transition period following the recent European elections, there were no MEPs in attendance meaning the only statements given in support of opinions or during debate came from Commissioners. Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojiechowski spoke during the debate on the future of CAP, subsequently Commissioners Elisa Ferreira and Iliana Ivanova spoke during the debate on improving EU support for regional research and innovation ecosystems, the role of the Regional Innovation Valleys.

Following the acceptance of minutes the plenary session began with the CoR’s various group leaders giving statements on the recent European election results, the ECR claimed that there is now clear evidence of a swing to the right, the EPP said that the centre is holding and the Greens warned of increasing amounts of misinformation and scaremongering.

Next on the agenda was Towards a Global Green Deal: harmonising global frameworks for climate change, biodiversity and sustainable development which was presented jointly by EPP and PES. The rapporteur, Rafał Kazimierz Trzaskowski (PL/EPP), noted that this opinion focuses on how we respond to the world us. He noted that there is sometimes a feeling, especially in local and regional government, that the current programme is too top down rather than bottom up, this he believes is leading to disenfranchisement as people feel they are being dictated to and shamed for not taking more action. The opinion promotes the power of the CoR to act as an intermediary between the EU and local and regional communities to implement the EU’s Green Deal.

Somewhat aptly this debate was followed by a debate on the Future of the Common Agricultural Policy. This debate focused on the progress of the reformed CAP, which entered force on the 1^st January 2023 along with its 10 specific objectives:

• ensure a fair income for farmers,
• increase competitiveness,
• improve the position of farmers in the food chain,
• climate change action,
• environmental care,
• preserve landscapes and biodiversity,
• support generational renewal,
• vibrant rural areas,
• protect food and health quality, and
• foster knowledge and innovation.

The Commissioner spoke about the importance of ensuring a fair wage is provided for each farmer. Furthermore, he noted that Europe has already had success lowering emissions and increasing productivity and we must now reinforce solidarity with farmers and the international community.

Speaking during the debate, Cllr. Aoife Breslin, noted that:

“ The evidence is clear, emissions must be cut across society, and comparatively those cuts must be higher in the agricultural sector if we are to meet our climate targets.

To this point CAP has demonstrated three things:

• that global food systems cannot be taken for granted,
• that climate and environmental considerations must be central to our thinking, and
• that we must be realistic about the capacity of our farmers and our administrations to manage and adjust to change.

But we also have to be realistic – CAP cannot do everything. Many environmental proposals, such as land restoration, require action and funding well beyond the scope and duration of a typical CAP framework in order to ensure a just transition.

The onus is on us as local and regional representatives to communicate to farmers what the CAP is capable of. Reassure farmers that they won’t be left to face these daunting challenges alone.

I am therefore calling for the EU to listen to our agricultural communities because if we fail to understand them, we will fail to meet the challenges presented by the climate crisis and that will be an indictment of us as a society not just farmers.”

The subsequent opinion attached to the debate was adopted by majority following a vote on over 150 amendments to the text.

The next item to be agreed was the Revision of the CoR Rules of Procedures. A key part of this debate was the inclusion of an amendment to the CoR Rules of Procedure ensuring gender equality rather than gender diversity. Furthermore, the plenary voted in support of an amendment ensuring that each Member States’ bureau delegation would be gender balanced.

This was followed by the aforementioned debate on Improving EU Support for Regional Research and Innovation Ecosystems – The Example of the Regional Innovation Valleys with Commissioner for Cohesion Elisa Ferreira and Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth Iliana Ivanova. During her opening statement Commissioner Ferreira announced that the Commission has identified 151 regions as Regional Innovation Valleys. She noted that this initiative will be supported with €116 million worth of funding under the European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) programme of Horizon Europe, the EU research and innovation programme,  and the Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument of the European Regional Development Fund.

All three of Ireland’s regions were announced as Innovation Valleys.

Speaking during the debate, Cllr. Declan McDonnell said:

“Recognition of the North West of Ireland as a Regional Innovation Valley will greatly enhance our ability to coordinate research and innovation investment, and policies.

It will enable us to address regional challenges more effectively while maintaining a strong alignment with EU priorities.

Building on our national and regional Smart Specialisation Strategies, the Northern and Western Regional Assembly is well-positioned to work with leading innovators in our region to tackle specific local challenges through the development of deep-tech innovation.

By collaborating with our universities and key sectors such as Agrifood, Marine and Blue Economy, Tourism, Renewable Energy, Med Tech, and Advanced Manufacturing, we can significantly boost both regional and European competitiveness but also facilitate the implementation of the New European Innovation Agenda within our region.

Our goal is to address critical issues such as climate action, food security, circular economy, digital transformation, and healthcare improvements.”

This debate was followed by the two final opinions of the opening day, firstly Addressing Europe’s Medicine Shortages and later Soil Monitoring and Resilience, both were adopted by the plenary.

Day two of plenary featured five opinions and one debate. Beginning with the adoption of rapporteur Loredana Capone’s opinion – The role of local and regional authorities in the transition towards a circular economy. This opinion seeks to address the issues of biodiversity loss, resource use, climate change impact, and environmental risks to health and well-being which the rapporteur stresses is imperative for achieving sustainability. It was subsequently adopted.

The second opinion of the morning was Mark Speich’s (DE/EPP) opinion Active subsidiarity: a fundamental principle in the EU Better regulation agenda. Setting the context for this opinion the rapporteur stated that “The debate on EU decision-making and on the principle of subsidiarity is topical in view of the upcoming renewal of the institutional term of office and the EU’s strategic agenda”. The opinion’s recommendations would also contribute to the future debate on the revision of the EU Treaties, to the CoR’s position in a potential review of the interinstitutional agreement on better law-making and to the bilateral cooperation agreements with the Parliament and the Commission.

A central theme of the second day was sustainable water management, the topic was featured in one debate and two opinions which were both adopted. The context for the debate centred on the fact that in 2019, 29% of EU territory was affected by water stress for at least one season, and water scarcity is already forcing local and regional authorities (LRAs) to declare drought emergencies, fuelling tensions in local communities and cross-border regions. The CoR note the negative impact that droughts, floods and other extreme weather phenomena are having.

The first of the two final opinions of the plenary was Enhancing the European Administrative Space (ComPAct), which seeks to encourage and strengthen administrative cooperation between Member States. The second was EU roadmap to fight drug trafficking and organised crime. Both were adopted.

Following the adoption of the final opinions, President Vasco Cordeiro welcomed new members recently appointed to the CoR including Irish Member Cllr. Mick Cahill. Cllr. Cahill used the occasion to praise the Just Transition initiative, before noting that he welcomes the next phase of its roll-out and that he hopes that this phase will “look at where the real problems are in Ireland and to localise them”.