The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) adopted a draft opinion drawn up by Markku Markkula, President of the Helsinki region, on Thursday 26 September in Espoo, Finland.
This new set of policy recommendations should put citizens on the road to climate neutrality. The CoR considers the implementation of the ‘European Green Deal’ to be “insufficient and too fragmented”. It would not make sufficient use of “the best scientific knowledge and practices in the world”. The draft opinion, which is due for final adoption at the November plenary session, recommends the creation of new mechanisms to mobilise private investment and boost the effectiveness of the cohesion funds and the Horizon Europe programme.
This funding should support climate initiatives. “It’s not just about what’s necessary for nature and the planet, but also about the future of industry, competitiveness, research and prosperity in the EU,” said Markku Markkula. (Original version in French by Florent Servia)