Mullingar hosts EU meeting on strengthening communities

Politicians from across the EU met in Mullingar in Co Westmeath to discuss strengthening communities, concluding in the adoption of the “Mullingar Declaration”.

The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) Bureau discussed “thriving and sustainable communities – building a Europe that works for all territories”.

The event is part of the official programme of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

It was hosted by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly.

President of the Committee of the Regions Kata Tüttő explained that the right to stay is about giving people a real choice about where and how they build their future.

She said that from Mullingar, they want to make the simple point: Europe’s future depends on strong regions and communities where people can thrive.

“A future worth staying for requires investment in jobs, housing, connectivity, services and opportunities, in particular through a strong EU cohesion policy in 2028-2034 and it requires local and regional authorities to have a decisive role in shaping those investments.”

The CoR’s discussions focused on two key challenges facing Europe’s territories: including transitioning for stronger and more innovative regions.

It also discussed the right to stay, examining how regions can create conditions that allow people, particularly young people, to remain and thrive in their communities.

Speakers included representatives from Eurofound, SGI Europe, Housing Europe, the European Commission, and the European Youth Forum.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of the Mullingar Declaration: “A Future worth staying for”.

It is focused on a European strategy that empowers local and regional authorities, strengthens cohesion policy, improves access to jobs, housing and services, supports climate resilience and innovation.

It also ensures that people across all territories have a genuine opportunity to thrive in the communities they choose to call home.

The Committee of the Regions is the European Union Advisory body representing the voice of local and regional authorities of all 27 member states.

The Bureau is its political driving force.

It establishes and monitors the implementation of CoR’s political priorities, coordinates the work of the plenary assembly and commissions.