Mons Declaration calls for stronger and fairer Europe
The European Committee of the Regions adopted the Mons Declaration calling for a stronger, fairer and more resilient Europe on Tuesday.
The text was presented to Alexander De Croo, representing the Belgian presidency of the Council of the EU, on the second and final day of the European Summit of Regions and Cities being held in Mons.
The declaration calls for “ambitious public investments, adapted to their purpose and supported by increased budgetary capacity”. They should be guided by the objective of economic, social and territorial cohesion.
It also renews the commitment to the European Green Deal and calls for direct funding for cities and regions to create solutions to the impact of the climate crisis.
Equal opportunities policies must be put in place, “to fight poverty and provide quality jobs and social services, to innovate, to manage integration and inclusion, and to promote gender equality, youth participation and intergenerational equity”, the text says.
It calls for a forward-looking approach to the future of the EU, involving local and regional authorities in preparing reforms and enlargement.
The Mons Declaration will be the position defended by the regions and cities before the leaders of the European institutions and the heads of government, who will meet for a summit in Brussels on Thursday and Friday, as well as in the run-up to the European elections.
“This week, 27 EU leaders will discuss how to achieve a stronger and fairer Europe,” De Croo said. “The text adopted on Tuesday is a strong signal for a future where regions and cities are the heartbeat of Europe. Maintaining our diversity, with our languages and our ideas, is one of Europe's greatest strengths. And this diversity on which the European Union is based is thanks to the cities and regions.”
More than 3,500 local and regional representatives attended the two-day summit in Mons.
Alexander De Croo at the 10th European Summit of Regions and Cities, Mons, 19 March 2024 © BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND
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