Brussels, 22/06/2016 (Agence Europe) - Organisations representing local and regional authorities unanimously regretted the outcome of the British referendum, announced on Friday 24 June, but respected the British vote. They now call for in-depth reflection on the meaning given to the Union, taking account of regions' and cities' recommendations.
The president of the Committee of the Regions (CoR), Markku Markkula, regretted the British decision (see other articles), saying “This comes at a time when not only in Europe but across the globe, we must focus all our resources in tackling existing burning societal, economic and environmental challenges”. Markkula said the regions would continue to work in favour of investment, better governance and social cohesion and contribute to reflection about the future of the European Union. For the CoR, the Brexit would certainly mean that the 24 British members (of the total 350 at the CoR) would end up leaving.
The secretary general of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), Frédéric Vallier, said the vote by the majority of English and Welsh in favour of Brexit reveals the growing disarray of Europeans vis-à-vis their leaders' political choices. He regretted that the EU was blamed for this because it is actually the member states that decide on the policy applied by the institutions and that also decide on policy at national level. He said reflection on the future of Europe would require listening to mayor sand local and regional elected politicians, pointing out that the CCRE has started working on what European should be like in 2030. The organisation counts four British associations, whose departure is not on the cards, but whose role may be redefined in the future.
Eleni Marianou, secretary general of the Conference of Peripheral and Maritime Regions (CPMR), described the vote as highly disappointing as it undermines European integration and unity. She urged all Europe's regions to work together. The CPMR currently has ten or so British members (of the 150-plus total).
Johanna Rolland, Eurocities' president, described the news as a “shock for Europe” and said Europe needed to be given new governance. She added that new life can be breathed into the EU if attention is paid to cities and mayors have an important role to play when it comes to constructing a more citizen-oriented, united and open union. Of its 130 members, Eurocities could see 19 British cities (members of partners), including London, leaving. (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)