The President of the Andalusian Government and co-president of the Committee of the Regions, Juanma Moreno, has pointed out that this body is a great opportunity for these cities to be involved in the decision-making processes of the European Union, while also stating that it is a key player in shaping policies from European institutions.
At this point, he emphasized that it is crucial to involve young people, whom he considers essential for bridging the gap between EU politics and local/regional structures. He encouraged seeking their help to ensure that Europe grows, stays united, and is able to face the challenges ahead. «The future is full of hope, and the youth have the power to build the Europe we desire.»
During his speech at the 164th plenary session of the Committee of the Regions held in Brussels, where the new Presidency of this body was elected, Moreno highlighted that regions and local entities have significant levels of competencies and are strategic partners in achieving the Union’s goals.
He underlined that from an economic and competitive standpoint, Europe has realized the need to compete in a global economy increasingly dominated by China and the USA, while also acknowledging that the EU is the world’s second-largest economic power.
In this context, he mentioned that the Commission recently launched the Competitiveness Compass, which will guide the EU’s work on competitiveness for the next five years. This roadmap aims to ensure the EU’s climate neutrality and establish the foundations for Europe to be a hub for inventing, manufacturing, and marketing future clean technologies and products.
Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of preserving agriculture, describing it as a major economic and social pillar in many European regions and a strong primary sector that ensures food production for Europe’s autonomy and food sovereignty.
«The Common Agricultural Policy needs to be more decentralized and connected to strategies on rural development and food security, protecting our farmers and livestock breeders.»
Juanma Moreno embraces Kata Tutto, with whom he will jointly preside over the Committee of the Regions.
Therefore, he stated that working to ensure water in regions and cities, investing in infrastructure, and becoming more efficient in its management is crucial. «Water is not just a problem for southern Europe but also for the center, and it will be for the north due to climate change. Without water, there is no life, economic activity, prosperity, or future. Water policies must be taken seriously by the Commission and the new European Commissioner, with global and specific policies.»
He also addressed migration and advocated for moving towards an orderly and regular model, continuing to combat human trafficking mafias. «I know well what I’m talking about because Andalusia is the Southern border of Europe, and we face this phenomenon almost daily.»
The Andalusian President affirmed that demographic decline, depopulation, brain drain, labor shortage, and the integration of migrants and refugees should also be focal points in the EU’s strategies and the Committee’s agenda.
«We must oppose any attempt to destabilize democratic institutions. We need to ensure the integrity of elections at all levels, whether local or regional, and strengthen political participation from the bottom up. Ultimately, reinforcing our democracy, a key pillar of the European Union.»
Moreno greets Ilídio Alves Cordero, the former first vice-president of the Committee of the Regions.
Moreno pointed out that protecting our values cannot be discussed without mentioning peace because, as he stated, the European Union is a product of the need to prevent war. «Europe is synonymous with peace, generosity, and future vision. Defending European democracy will not be possible without democratic neighbors who provide security.»
In this regard, he emphasized that a policy of cohesion that is effective through upward convergence is essential for the functioning of the single market. He highlighted that the cohesion policy faces a crucial stage in shaping future European funds, which should be beneficial for the development of regional and local policies.
«Let’s advocate for regions to continue to play a central role in managing these funds. I specifically refer to the debate within the Commission on the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034. We must be very vigilant to signs indicating a centralization of its management.»
Regarding the climate change, he stressed that sustainable adaptation and mitigation should be the pillars on which the Committee of the Regions intensifies its work, aiming to amplify the voice of this Committee within the EU Delegation at the COP, being full-fledged interlocutors in negotiations crucial for Europe.
He also addressed the issue of misinformation and anti-European voices that go against our values and interests. He asserted that the Committee of the Regions should align with the European Commission and Parliament to fight back, proclaiming true European success stories and proudly showcasing our European identity.
The Andalusian President, in a moment of his speech at the Committee of the Regions plenary.
«We have an identity to be proud of. Our sense of belonging to a territory that is crucial, unique on the planet, not only because of our millennia-old history but because we have built a space of freedom, prosperity, and social rights that is unparalleled in the world. A unique model that we should deeply be proud of.»
The President of the Andalusian Government stated that the Committee of the Regions is entering a new level, where both Kata Tutto and himself will work together with common goals to elevate this body and make it more influential in the decisions made by the European Commission and other institutions.
In conclusion, he emphasized the importance of connecting citizens with the decisions made in institutions and noted that this body plays a fundamental role in this aspect.