“The coronavirus crisis and the pressing need in its wake for a sound and green economic recovery poses a severe challenge to Europe that requires the full commitment of all levels of government.”
That’s the message shared by nine European mayors in a letter sent today to the presidents of the EU institutions.
The mayors go on to say that “not only have cities been disproportionately impacted by the crisis, but they are also uniquely placed to address the immediate and long-term needs of their citizens.”
Specifically, they ask the European institutions to:
- Recognise municipalities as key allies in the joint fight for a resilient future
- Better engage cities when shaping country-level recovery plans
- Open up parts of the Recovery and Resilience Fund directly to local governments
On the final point, the mayors (from Barcelona, Bratislava, Budapest, Hannover, Lisbon, Milan, Paris, Prague and Warsaw) ask “the European institutions to adopt the proposed amendment in the European Parliament to earmark at least 10% of the Recovery and Resilience Facility to the local level.”
Responding to the mayors’ letter, Anna Lisa Boni, Secretary General, Eurocities, said:
“The biggest EU budget ever is on the table to pull Europe out of this crisis. Our cities have been hardest hit and our city leaders have already proven they can respond rapidly to urgent needs. Investing in Europe’s cities is essential to build back better and plan for a green and just recovery. That’s why these mayors of nine major European cities today called for the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility to be channelled to the local level. We hope the EU institutions and member states will listen to this important message!”
