Video message by President von der Leyen at the 168th Plenary Session of the European Committee of the Regions

Dear President Metsola,
Dear President Tüttő,
Distinguished Guests,

Thank you for the opportunity to share some thoughts with you.

Your plenary session, and the European Week of Regions and Cities, showcase the vibrancy of European democracy. There is so much to inspire us in this week ahead! We celebrate the role of communities. And hear from members of the Committee of the Regions, as well as local and regional leaders from across Europe.

You are the vital link between Europe and its citizens. The heart of our communities and the backbone of our democracies. Every day you work to improve lives and shape the future of Europe.

I want to start with one of the biggest issues citizens across Europe face – and that is housing. For too many, finding a home means anxiety, not hope.

This is why we have put forward the European Affordable Housing Plan. Under the plan, regions and Member States will have more flexibility to build and renovate. And more investment in affordable housing and student accommodation.

Which means more homes can be built – faster and better.

And I want to thank all of you in the Committee of the Regions for your crucial contribution. You gave us a deeper understanding of the issues our citizens are facing. So that this plan can make a real difference.

Of course, every home should be part of a community. And communities need thriving regions and cities. 

For that, cohesion policy is our most effective tool.

In our next budget, cohesion is at the heart of the new National and Regional Partnership Plans. These will be designed and implemented in consultation with you. Because you are best placed to choose which investments make sense for your citizens. Whether in housing, water resilience, or energy. In education, healthcare or transport.

Cohesion will still be guided by the same principles as before. Multi-level, and based on shared governance and partnership. The next MFF will also ringfence 218 billion euro for less-developed regions. Because we want to ensure that every cent of funding reaches the areas that need it most. There will also be a new performance structure to link investment with reforms.

Cohesion helps us to build and sustain thriving communities in each Member State. Because everyone has a right to stay in the place they call home.

In recent months, some of Europe's communities saw the direct and devastating impact of climate change. This summer saw the worst wildfire season we have experienced.

And Europe responded with rescEU and our Civil Protection Mechanism. Over 670 prepositioned firefighters were on the ground to support local efforts. And our fleet of planes and helicopters flew missions around the clock.

But we also saw the power of local and regional governments in action. Rescuing citizens, protecting homes and environments. Demonstrations of strong local leadership. Your experience in dealing with crises like these is priceless.

And Europe will continue to be there for you in times of need. We have allocated a large envelope for emergencies. Because flexibility is essential when disaster strikes.

I want to thank you again for your invaluable work. You are key to the strong local and regional democracy at the heart of Europe. And together, we will keep working to improve the lives of all Europeans. So I wish you a very successful plenary session.

And to all of us: Long live Europe.