On March 19, 2024, the European Committee of the Regions embraced the Mons Declaration, urging for a more robust, fairer, and resilient Europe.
Presented during the European Summit of Regions and Cities in Mons, the declaration was handed over to Alexander De Croo, representing the Belgian presidency of the Council of the EU, marking the conclusion of the event.
Central to the declaration is the call for ambitious public investments, meticulously tailored to their intended purposes and bolstered by augmented budgetary capabilities. These investments are envisioned to uphold the principles of economic, social, and territorial cohesion.
Moreover, the Mons Declaration reaffirms the commitment to the European Green Deal, advocating for direct financial support to cities and regions to address the repercussions of the climate emergency.
Addressing the issue of equal opportunities, the declaration emphasizes the imperative of implementing policies aimed at combating poverty, fostering quality employment opportunities and social services, stimulating innovation, facilitating integration and inclusion, and advancing gender equality, youth engagement, and intergenerational equity.
Furthermore, it advocates for a forward-looking stance concerning the future of the EU, advocating for the active involvement of local and regional authorities in shaping reforms and enlargement strategies.
The Mons Declaration is poised to serve as the guiding stance for regions and cities in their engagements with the leaders of the European institutions and national governments. These discussions are slated to take place during a summit in Brussels scheduled for Thursday and Friday, as well as leading up to the European elections.
In reflecting on the significance of the declaration, De Croo emphasized the pivotal role of regions and cities in fostering the vitality of Europe. He underscored the diversity inherent in Europe's linguistic and ideological landscape as a source of strength, crediting cities and regions for nurturing this diversity.
The two-day summit in Mons saw participation from over 3,500 local and regional representatives, underscoring the breadth of support for the principles articulated in the Mons Declaration. Photo by Center for Data Innovation, Wikimedia commons.