Local Strength, European Future: Standing Firm for Eastern Enlargement – in the Heart of the Region
Yerevan Euronest: The Power of Regions for Europe’s Future
The Eastern enlargement of the European Union is not only the task of capitals and governments – we, local and regional leaders, also have a decisive role in bringing real results to our communities.
Today in Yerevan, Armenia, at the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly, I spoke on behalf of the European Committee of the Regions and CORLEAP. In front of decision-makers and experts, I presented how active participation, timely action, and a strong voice can help us not only make ourselves heard but also secure funding, competences, and strengthen partnerships with our sister regions on the Eastern side.
(Harghita County already has concrete partnerships: Berehove Raion in Ukraine, Strășeni Raion in Moldova, and Lori Province in Armenia.)
This event is not only diplomatic but also of great community and economic significance. It serves as a key forum for advancing the EU’s Eastern enlargement, deepening partnerships, and strengthening local interests.
What does today’s program focus on?
• Morning sessions address status, partnership, and legal extension – including economic integration, energy, social affairs, education, culture, and civil society.
• In the afternoon, the XXII Ordinary Session of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly begins, with speeches by the Presidents of the National Assembly, the European Parliament, and other European leaders. I will speak afterwards as a main representative of the Committee of the Regions and CORLEAP, advocating for local and regional interests.
Why is it important to be here today, speaking on behalf of the Committee of the Regions and CORLEAP?
• We can directly influence what kind of support and funding reach local and partner regions – lobbying for the interests of Harghita County and regional communities. More EU funds should go directly to local development: schools, healthcare, youth, and cultural projects.
• By strengthening partnerships with sister regions and Eastern partner countries, we can open new opportunities for economic, educational, youth, and cultural development.
• For counties, cities, and municipalities, this creates new chances for innovation, digital services, and community initiatives.
• The EU’s Eastern enlargement allows local communities to assert their interests more effectively – gaining competences, autonomy, and development funding if we act together and in time.
What are today’s concrete opportunities?
• The Euronest Assembly agenda directly addresses local governance and regional competences, especially regarding decentralization and financial autonomy.
• The annual action plan to be adopted launches tangible programs for regional innovation, digitalization, youth, education, culture, cross-border cooperation, and local development.
In summary
We are the ones who directly see what citizens need and how EU decisions can be turned into real outcomes.
Today, at the most important venue of the EU’s Eastern enlargement – Yerevan – I represent local and regional authorities who often feel distant from European decision-making. Now, we have the chance to shape which partnerships, rights, and development programs reach our regions directly.
That is why it matters that we are here, that we speak up, and that we defend our interests – for the Eastern future of Europe, for development, and for the well-being of all.