May 15, 2025

The following is a press release:

The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) has reaffirmed its commitment to a European Union that is more cohesive, resilient and closer to its citizens in a resolution outlining the institution’s strategic priorities for the 2025–2030 mandate. In line with the Strategic Agenda 2024–2029 of the European Council and the Political Guidelines of the European Commission, the CoR calls for an ambitious, forward-looking agenda where regions and cities are at the heart of Europe's future.

In the resolution, adopted on 15 May, the CoR declared Cohesion, Resilience and Proximity as its three guiding priorities for the next five years. CoR members stressed that economic, social and territorial cohesion must remain a central pillar of the EU, with local and regional authorities (LRAs) playing a crucial role in delivering the Union’s strategic objectives.

Cohesion

CoR members urged in the resolution that the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) be co-designed with LRAs, reinforcing the partnership principle and rejecting any form of centralisation that undermines local governance. CoR members also called for robust financial instruments, fiscal decentralisation and new own resources to address emerging challenges and maintain long-term EU objectives. Local and regional leaders underscored the need to strengthen the capital markets union and ensure an investment-friendly environment that supports SMEs, while reducing administrative burdens and reinforcing better regulation.

Resilience

Local and regional leaders stressed the need for stronger crisis response across the EU, calling for better coordination and funding to address the impacts of the green, digital and demographic transitions. They emphasised the crucial role of LRAs in driving climate action, biodiversity protection, and a fair, decentralised energy transition to enhance energy security and competitiveness.

The resolution further underscores the urgent need to enhance water resilience and advance integrated management strategies, recognising water security as vital for climate adaptation, food supply and public health. A reformed Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is seen as essential for food sovereignty, rural development and strategic autonomy, all with strong regional involvement.

Proximity

In the resolution, CoR members reaffirmed that trust in the European project is built at the local level. They highlighted the need to address demographic change, including brain drain, ageing populations, and shrinking regions, by promoting family-friendly policies, intergenerational fairness and quality public services that allow people to live and thrive in their regions. Furthermore, safeguarding local democracy and bridging the gap between citizens and institutions is essential. Enhanced citizen participation, particularly from youth, will be essential and the Committee commits to using its networks – such as the EU Local Councillors and the Young Elected Politicians programme – to help bring the EU closer to people. Gender equality is also recognised as a cross-cutting priority, with a strong focus on translating EU strategies into regional realities and promoting women’s political participation.

Quotes

Kata Tüttő (HR/PES), President of the European Committee of the Regions: “The adoption of our 2025–2030 priorities is a clear message: Europe must be built from the ground up. Like a strong tree, its roots must be in the streets and squares, in the communities. Our priorities "cohesion, resilience and proximity" are not just words, they are our compass for these 5 years. With them, we set a path that winds through every village and city, connecting us all. As local and regional leaders, we are ready to shape the future alongside our citizens. By placing regions and cities at the heart of the European project, we can respond effectively to today’s challenges, to build a stronger, fairer, and more united Europe.”

Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla (ES/EPP), First Vice-President of the European Committee of the Regions: "This resolution will be a clear roadmap for the CoR in 2025-2030, allowing us to contribute to find solutions to the EU's new challenges that we must face together. These will be the issues on which we will base our demands to the other European institutions. The priorities are framed in three main pillars: cohesion, resilience and proximity. Cohesion ensures that all EU regions benefit from growth and development. Improving resilience means increasing our response to threats to security, the economy or the environment from natural or human causes. And finally, the priority of proximity which means strengthening local democracy and empowering regional authorities."

Background

Video and photos from the debate.

During the 18-19 February plenary session, members of the Committee of the Regions elected Kata Tüttő, member of the Budapest City Council, as their new president and Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla, president of the Spanish region of Andalusia, as their First Vice-President. President Tüttő will be the leading voice of regions and cities in the European Union for the next two and a half years. As part of a political agreement, PES will cede the presidency to the EPP mid-way through the CoR's mandate, with Mr Moreno Bonilla currently expected to succeed Ms Tüttő.

Contact

Theresa Sostmann

Tel: +32 475 999 415

Theresa.Sostmann@cor.europa.eu