Noel Formosa, Mayor of San Lawrenz, and Vice-President of the EPP Group (European People’s Party) in the CoR, recently participated in discussions on how to make Europe safer and how to enhance its prosperity during a meeting of the European People’s Party working Group on European Policy. “It is very important that we, members of the Committee of the regions, can be part of these working groups because it gives us a wider understanding of the party’s values and furthermore, we can give a good perspective on what is happening in the regions and municipalities,” explained Mr Formosa.
The two political documents making Europe a safer place and creating prosperity for everyone formed the basis of the debate and all participants agreed that they are themes of great importance in today’s political situation and for all citizens. In a Europe, which has witnessed numerous acts of terrorism in recent years, safety is of paramount importance and concern. The document argues that the EU is based on solidarity and the EPP insists on the need to bring people together through common understanding. Mr Formosa strongly believes that local and regional authorities have an important role to play in this regard: “Europe is safer thanks to the involvement of local and regional authorities, which create safer environments where people can live together,” he explained. “In addition, local councillors should not be ashamed of promoting our principles and values.”
The second paper, creating prosperity for everyone, focuses on the economy and as President of the EPP, Wilfried Martens recalled, “the European elections in 2009 will be greatly impacted by Europe’s prosperity. Given the economic troubles that Europe is currently facing, the EPP believes it is essential that more attention is given to education and to the creation of jobs.” Also within this field, Mr Formosa is convinced that local and regional authorities can have an impact. “Through investment in the education sector, local and regional authorities can help to create quality jobs for their citizens,” he said. “We need to provide good education opportunities for all and the CoR can give a great contribution to this aspect.”