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European Committee of the Regions – N. Hardalias: We need to highlight flood protection of major cities as a top priority at the European level

by AI | 21.Nov 2024 | Europe in brief AI

The need to establish a permanent financing mechanism to support European regions for the implementation of projects protecting against natural hazards, as well as to promote the relevant legislative provisions, was highlighted by the governor of Attica, N. Hardalias, in his intervention at the 163rd Plenary Session of the European Committee of the Regions, taking place in Brussels.

The Governor of Attica, N. Hardalias at the meeting of the European Committee of the Regions, Brussels.

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The need to establish a permanent financial support mechanism for European regions to implement projects protecting against natural hazards, as well as to promote relevant legislative provisions, was highlighted by the Governor of Attica, Nikos Hardalias, in his intervention at the 163rd Plenary Session of the European Committee of the Regions, held in Brussels.

“The floods in Valencia are a strong reminder that climate change is worsening, endangering all European nations,” said Mr. Hardalias during the thematic section on the crucial role local and regional authorities play in global climate action. He also described “the close cooperation of the Committee of the Regions with the three EU institutions, namely the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the European Council, as an urgent necessity to strengthen the role of regions in managing the climate crisis”.

“We must be fully prepared to make flood protection a top priority by promoting strong legislative proposals and enhancing new financial tools, such as creating a new European Prevention and Resilience Fund,” noted the governor, setting the New Statutory Plenary of February as a milestone, which will mark the start of the Commission’s new term. “To meet this challenge, this must be our first priority for the years to come,” he said specifically.

In statements immediately after the meeting, Mr. Hardalias referred to the strong will of the EU local authorities for immediate necessary initiatives, stressing that “today, more than ever, it is essential to join forces for new bold interventions with enhanced competencies and additional adequate financial tools”, reiterating his stance for the establishment of a special financing mechanism. “In this common effort, the Region of Attica will once again play a leading role. Because the climate crisis is here and it concerns us all. There is no time for delays,” he concluded.

On the sidelines of the Plenary session’s proceedings, the Governor of Attica met with the ND MEP and former Vice President of the EPP, Vangelis Meimarakis, and the PASOK MEP and Vice President of the Socialists in the European Parliament, Giannis Maniatis.

The discussion centered on topics regarding the role European regions can play in the future of the Union, as well as the actions required to shield them from natural hazards.

Mr. Hardalias informed the MEPs about the initiatives and efforts being undertaken in the Region of Attica, aiming to create a resilient, green, and sustainable Metropolitan Region, with respect for people and the environment.

Additionally, the Governor of Attica met with the Governor of Central Macedonia, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, whom he congratulated on his upcoming appointment as Commissioner of Transport and Tourism, and with the Polish President of the EPP Group in the Committee of the Regions, Olgierd Geblewicz. It is noted that the 163rd Plenary Session, which took place on November 20 and 21 at the European Parliament, was the last for the current term of the European Committee of the Regions. On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of its establishment, extensive discussions were held on the role regional authorities are called to play for the future of the EU, as well as the renewed cohesion policy after 2027.

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