Regions and cities embarking on the EU reform agenda to deliver growth and jobs
The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) has expressed its full support for the European Commission's renewed jobs and growth agenda and called for a deepening of partnerships between all EU institutions. The CoR - whose members gathered for the first plenary of its new mandate - warned, however, that the new European Commission roadmap "falls short" by not putting enough focus on cohesion policy, rural development and the environment.
In a debate with Frans Timmermans i, the Commission's First Vice-President, the CoRs' newly-elected President, Markku Markkula , commended the Commission's efforts to place jobs and growth at the heart of its priorities, "The focus must be on removing barriers to growth and unlocking Europe's investment and innovation potential. We need to reduce red tape, simplify rules and support schemes that boost growth". Nevertheless, the CoRs' President stressed that the Commission's plans "fell short" by not placing enough focus on cohesion policy, rural development and the environment, "There is an apparent absence of new initiatives for the urban agenda, macro-regional strategies and territorial cohesion. We invite the Commission to work with us to develop proposals in these areas".
Commissioner Timmermans explained the Commission's ten priorities were focused on boosting the economy which, he argued, needed better regulation which was why it was proposing to withdraw 80 EU legislative proposals. During his speech he continued stating, "The Juncker Plan is there to help our cities and regions grow - but to work it has to come with reforms, national and European. We need to show we are open for business and we can make Europe perform better. Especially for SMEs, who always used to be our biggest supporters: we need to win them back, by showing that the EU is ready to solve the problems they face day-to day so they can spend more time hiring people and creating more jobs."
POSITIONS
During the debate, presidents of each of the CoRs' political groups also addressed the EC First Vice-President after which the assembly adopted its resolution setting out its views on the Commission's 2015 work programme.
Gordon Keymer , President of the CoRs' ECR Group : "In the battle against red-tape, the European Committee of the Regions' involvement in the Stoiber Group was very important. I therefore ask that the Committee is directly involved in its replacement".
More information:
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•Draft Resolution of the European Committee of the Regions on the Commission's work programme 2015 "A New Start"