Brussels, 11/02/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 10 February, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) presented a manifesto at the European Parliament containing 10 key messages for candidates in their bids to win a seat at the European Parliament.
Annemarie Jorritsma, CEMR President, and Frédéric Vallier, the group's secretary general stated: “We need to work together to respond to citizens' legitimate concerns about a strong Europe that is able to ensure the conditions for sustainable growth and development based on fairness”. In its manifesto for future MEPs, they highlight “shared concerns”. At the top of the list is the fight against unemployment, particularly youth unemployment. European municipalities and regions are calling for specific support and transition programmes to bring these unemployed target groups into the labour market. They also underline the importance of applying the partnership code in the implementation of programmes financed through structural and investment funds, as well as cooperation between the different levels of power. They emphasise the need for “lighter” regulation, respect for the subsidiarity principle and more accountable legitimacy, for example by the European Parliament's drawing up a Convention to outline a “Fundamental Law for the EU”. The manifesto also recommends setting the ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets for 2030. The other major concerns at local and regional levels are gender equality, and integration of migrants, the Roma and the poorest members of society. The mayors and presidents of the regions also gave their support to continued enlargement and integrated global solutions. (MD/transl.fl)