German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the European Committee of Regions: Cohesion, recovery and sustainability are on the agenda

Source: German presidency of the EU (German presidency) i, published on Monday, October 12 2020.

On 13 October, German Chancellor Angela Merkel i will virtually meet with local and regional leaders from all EU i member states to discuss the goals of the German Presidency of the Council of the EU.

The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) is an advisory body that represents around 1 million local and regional politicians in the 27 countries of the European Union. When drawing up legislation on matters that might concern local or regional government, European decision-making bodies - including the European Commission and the Council of the EU - must consult with the CoR. After receiving those proposals for legislation from decision-making bodies, the CoR issues opinions on the legislative projects, detailing these to CoR members at up to six plenary meetings a year. Between 12 and 14 October, the CoR’s 329 members will meet in Brussels and virtually to discuss 26 different opinions.

On 13 October, German Chancellor Angela Merkel will virtually attend the CoR plenary session. She will present the goals of the German Presidency of the Council of the EU. After the German Chancellor’s address, there will be an hour-long discussion on topics such as how local and regional authorities can play a part in the EU's pandemic recovery plans as well as the role of cities and regions in advancing sustainable, greener communities. Participants will also discuss the role of local and regional politicians within the framework of the Conference on the Future of Europe.

The President of the CoR, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, will deliver a speech detailing challenges expected in the year ahead, known as the Annual Regional and Local Barometer, on 12 October. He will also welcome other speakers to sessions, including the President of the European Commission​ Ursula von der Leyen i on 12 October and the EU Commissioner in charge of Economy Paolo Gentiloni i on 14 October.

Info

Further detailed information and the agenda for all sessions can be found on the CoR's website by following the link below. A livestream of the plenary session at which the German Chancellor is speaking will begin at 14.30 on 13 October, and can be found on the same page (only in English).

Plenary session of the European Committee of the Regions, 12-14 October External link

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