The ECR Group in the European Committee of the Regions adopts its priorities for the 2025-2030 CoR mandate during its constitutive meeting in Brussels: A Safer Europe; A reformed Cohesion Policy; Competitiveness; A Just Transition; Food sovereignty and Right to remain.
A Safer Europe
Security begins at the local level, where effective law enforcement and community engagement can combat rising criminality. We advocate prioritising security challenges at the EU’s external borders, focusing on strong border management to stop illegal immigration and protect citizens from external threats, including terrorism. We are committed to creating safer, more secure cities for all Europeans. Unity in combating antisemitism is essential for a safe and inclusive Europe. It is equally important to fight all forms of radicalisation, which threatens to undermine our shared values and community cohesion. We are determined to tackle drug-related violence by equipping our young people with the knowledge and awareness they need to steer clear of harmful behaviours.
A reformed Cohesion Policy
An impactful and efficient cohesion policy post- 2027 will be vital to ensure Europe’s future prosperity. We believe that cohesion policy should focus on its primary objective, which is to strengthen economic, social and territorial cohesion and to reduce regional disparities. At the same time, cohesion policy must be aligned with the EU’s main priorities, most notably strengthening the EU’s competitiveness and resilience. This should encompass greater support for a just transition, rural and border regions, infrastructure, research and innovation and tackling the demographic crisis in EU regions. We are committed to making cohesion policy more simplified and flexible and reducing its administrative burden.
Competitiveness
We are concerned by how much the EU is lagging behind its main international competitors in GDP growth, innovation and the development of new marketable technologies. Enhancing Europe’s competitiveness must be one of the EU’s main priorities during this mandate to ensure our continued prosperity. We are committed to revitalising the EU economy by deepening the Single Market, protecting Europe’s businesses and industry from costly regulations and investing in SMEs and innovation. We believe in empowering Member States, cities and regions to take ownership of their future, enact policies that correspond to their local realities and thrive on their unique strengths.
A Just Transition
Europe’s industries and all transport sectors need a gradual and just transition. Technological neutrality is our guiding principle, and we are committed to supporting the European automotive industry and regions in transition, including with a call to reverse the 2035 ban on combustion engines and reducing transport costs for citizens. We are committed to protecting Europe’s workers and industries from unrealistic climate policies, and we will work to ensure that the regions undergoing structural transformation are not left behind, and that they will receive the necessary support to maintain their competitiveness.
Food sovereignty
While the importance of transitioning to a sustainable food system should not be underestimated, the Green Deal in its current form is not compatible with ensuring food security for Europeans and at the same time a profitable existence for farmers. Our Group will continue to advocate for the protection of one of our most strategic sectors – agriculture. We call for a simplified Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) that empowers our farmers and rewards them for their efforts. We must safeguard the competitiveness of our farmers and ensure fair trade that guarantees reciprocity or mirror clauses when it comes to production standards. Europe’s farmers are overburdened with rising production costs and environmental obligations. The establishment of young people in rural areas with access to services and leisure and employment opportunities is key to preserving agriculture across the EU and thereby contributing to our food sovereignty.
Right to remain
The right to remain must be a central priority in addressing Europe’s demographic crisis, as reversing negative population trends is vital for securing the continent’s future stability and prosperity. The ongoing demographic crisis, including low birth rates, aging populations, and workforce shortages, threatens the sustainability of social systems, economic growth, and cultural continuity. We advocate for family-friendly policies that empower individuals and families to remain in their communities, ensuring they have access to quality education, efficient healthcare, and stable employment. This includes fostering strong digital and transport connectivity, which can bridge gaps between urban and rural areas, making it easier for people to remain in their home regions.