ECR 1st Vice-President and Marshal of the Podkarpackie region, Władysław Ortyl, addressed Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, during the inaugural plenary session of the CoR emphasizing the importance of Europe's relevance on the global stage.

"To strengthen our collective security and economic resilience, we must encourage investment in dual-use technologies that serve both civilian and defence needs" said Mr Ortyl, adding that "as local and regional leaders we are committed to invest all available funds in innovations which not only enhance our domestic capabilities but also drive industrial competitiveness, create high-value jobs, and foster technological leadership".

Mr Ortyl also underlined the need for investment in security and defence for the border regions that serve as external borders of the Union. These regions are profoundly impacted by events that shape Europe's geopolitical landscape, and therefore "it is only fitting that local and regional leaders are fully engaged in discussions and processes that chart Europe's future". 

Marshal Ortyl finally stressed the importance of ensuring that Europe’s relevance on the global stage is restored. This means an EU that prioritises economic strength, firmly rooted in local communities. It also means "empowering businesses in our regions and cities to thrive, enabling them to be the driving force behind a competitive and resilient Europe, better equipped for emerging challenges", Marshal Ortyl concluded.