Regions and cities step up efforts to create a European administrative space

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​The key contribution of regions and cities to the creation of a European common administrative space was among the main topic on the agenda of the meeting of the Commission for Economic Policy (ECON) on 15 May. The mid-term review of the post-pandemicRecovery and Resilience Facility, the use of artificial intelligence in the public sector, as well as economic resilience of regions and cities were also discussed with representatives of the European Commission.

Enhancing the European Administrative Space

During the meeting, ECON members unanimously adopted a draft opinion emphasising the crucial role of regions and cities in creating a true European administrative space. They also advocated for increased decentralisation efforts and sufficient funding for the effective execution of administrative tasks. ECON members further addressed challenges such as the ageing workforce, rural accessibility issues and digital infrastructure deficits. A more ambitious approach is needed for greater participation of public administrations at the local and regional level.

Rapporteur Tom Jungen (LU/PES), mayor of the Municipality of Roeser, said: "We are still far away from implementing the idea of a European Administrative Space as even 30 years after its creation, barriers of the Single Market still exist. With one of the objectives to have 100% of key public services available online by 2030, we need to ensure that no one is left behind in the process. Citizens need access to up-to-date digital skills and infrastructures, and targeted training sessions for people with limited digital capacities."

Mid-term review of the post-pandemicEuropean recovery plan

The risks caused by the lack of involvement of regions and cities in the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience facility (RRF) - which is worth nearly €650 billion- were highlighted by several members during a dedicated discussion with representatives of the European Commission. The top-down approach undermined the effectiveness of the investments, representing a missed opportunity for local communities.

In support of this argument, Christophe Rouillon (FR/PES), mayor of Coulaines and rapporteur of the draft opinion on the mid-term review of the RRF, illustrated the results of a recent consultation done by the CoR together with the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR). The survey, which was conducted among regional and local associations, shows that the territorial allocation of funds from the RRF is widely perceived as unbalanced and confirms the highly centralised management of the Facility by Member States.

The draft opinion is scheduled to receive a first green light during the 4 July ECON commission meeting, before final adoption at the 8-9 October CoR plenary session.

Artificial intelligence in the public sector

ECON members discussed the impact of AI on the public sector, emphasising its role in enhancing efficiency and productivity while stressing the importance of public administrations in facilitating its safe deployment. They highlighted the crucial role of local and regional authorities in harnessing AI's potential, as well as the need to promote transparency, innovation, and collaboration for effective adoption and service improvement and thus underlined the challenges and opportunities AI brings.

Alberto Cirio (IT/EPP), President of the Piedmont region, is drafting the opinion on this dossier which is scheduled to be first adopted during the 24-25 October ECON commission meeting, and then receive the final vote at the 20-21 November CoR plenary session.

Shock-proofing European regions

During a debate on economic resilience, ECON members emphasised the varied impact of economic shocks, notably from the Russian-Ukrainian war, on EU regions, with border areas being particularly vulnerable to geopolitical tensions. They noted the EU's capacity to address challenges, but highlighted a need for a more comprehensive framework to safeguard the Single Market during crises. Local and regional leaders also stressed the importance of empowering these authorities and addressing regional resilience needs.

The draft opinion is currently being prepared by rapporteur Ilpo Heltimoinen (FI/ECR), councillor of Lappeenranta municipality, and is scheduled to be adopted by the ECON commission when it meets on 4 July. The CoR is scheduled to adopt the opinion at its plenary session on 8-9 October.

Also during the meeting

ECON members appointed rapporteurs for four opinions:

• FernandoLopezMiras (ES/EPP), President of Murcia, on the opinion on 'A strong European defence industry';
• Barbara Hegedüs (HU/ECR), deputy mayor of Veszprém, as rapporteur on the opinion on 'Supporting SMEs in regional value chains - fostering the proximity economy';
• Martijn van Gruijthuijsen (NL/Renew E.), member of the Provincial States of the Province of North Brabant, as rapporteur on 'The future of the single market and the EU's competitiveness';
• Michael Murphy (IE/EPP), member of Tipperary County Council, as rapporteur on the 'Proposal for a regulation on the screening of foreign investments in the Union'.

Rewatch the meeting. ​