Apostolos Tzitzikostas, President of the European Committee of the Regions, presented the EU Annual Regional and Local Barometer on Monday 12 October 2020, warning of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on regions and cities revenues, of growing regional inequalities and of a “COVID lost generation”.
The first EU-wide Regional and Local Barometer warns that Coronavirus pandemic is heavily impacting sub-national authorities' revenues and that the up to 10% plunge in regions and cities revenues puts public services at risk. The crisis is also widening social and economic inequalities in the EU's territories. The Report warns that the crisis risks creating a "COVID lost generation" of young people, and highlights serious disparities between regional healthcare systems. The increasing rural-urban divide also represents a clear threat to EU's cohesion.
President Tzitzikostas also mentioned that according to a poll of over 26,000 Europeans, conducted in the first two weeks of September, Europeans trust local and regional governments more than they trust national governments or the EU, both in general and in their response to the pandemic. The interviewees would like local and regional governments to have more influence on EU decisions relating to health, employment and social affairs, as well as education, training and culture.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, who was addressing the EU’s assembly for local and regional politicians for the first time since taking office, stressed the crucial role of local authorities being the first line of defence when the COVID-19 crisis hit.
To watch the recording of the Debate on the EU Annual Regional and Local Barometer, please visit the #EURegionsWeek Live & Replay portal!
