23
Oct
2024
Watch
The important role of cities and regions in the EU – for a green, social and prosperous local development (debate)
Mr President, in the region and in the city, you often get to know the EU, Europe, for the first time. Usually unnoticed. What does European cooperation do for you? As Johan Cruyff once said: “You won’t see it until you know it.” Budgets, funds and subsidy jars don't tell people that much. What is done with the money, of course. I think of the cycle path between Tilburg and Turnhout, on which many people cross the border every day for work, study or family visits. Or to the job coaches in Rotterdam who help students find a permanent job and are therefore crucial for that city. But I am also thinking of a wind farm in Flevoland that provides four hundred thousand households with green electricity. These are all examples of projects that have been made possible by Europe, by the EU. Projects in the city, in the region, close to your home. You'll notice. You can see what Europe is doing for you. While some in this Parliament want to turn off the money tap, we want more attention for the city and the region. The cities know what is needed in the neighborhoods, in the neighborhoods and in our streets. The region ensures that people in the villages are also heard. They know what it takes to make our plans, which we make here, a success. And they are indispensable for the execution. That is why we need more budget and not less. I really don't understand the movements of some in this Parliament. The cities and regions give Europe a face and you won't see it until you know it.