For the ECR Group, Europe’s cities need practical means to provide essential services such as transport and security, attract investment and give young people and families a real choice to build their future where they live. Speaking after the European Parliament adopted his own-initiative report on cohesion policy and the EU Agenda for Cities by an overwhelming majority, ECR Rapporteur Denis Nesci said:
“Today’s vote is an important step towards putting territories and citizens back at the centre of European policies. Cities must be protagonists in European decision-making and help lead the response to depopulation, competitiveness, internal security – particularly in light of the recent unrest in France, Belgium and Italy – and access to essential services.
“We have included in the report a single access platform for local administrations, offering one point of entry for information, guidance and support, together with simpler procedures and stronger administrative capacity, especially for small and medium-sized cities.”
A central principle of the text is the “right to stay” – the idea that people should be able to remain in their communities because they have access to services, jobs and opportunities there.
Nesci said:
“At the heart of the report is the right to stay: the possibility for young people and families to build their future in the places they come from without being forced to leave them.
“Cohesion policy must continue to be a pillar of the European Union, including in the next long-term budget, with adequate resources and effective instruments.”
For Nesci, the broad support in Parliament also reflects the pragmatic approach taken during negotiations and the cooperation achieved across political groups.
