Subsidiarity doesn’t start in Brussels – we also implement it beyond borders

Europe’s future is built or lost in local communities – and when we talk about cooperation with Switzerland, this is especially true for border regions with minority populations.

At the plenary session of the Committee of the Regions, I spoke on the opinion regarding the territorial dimension of relations with Switzerland. My message was short but clear:
Borders do not separate – they connect. We can only build security, development, and a shared future if those closest to the people are included in decision-making.

Harghita County, as a mountainous, multilingual, minority region, knows exactly what it means when decisions are made about us – without us – either from Brussels or Bucharest. That is why I emphasized that in the new agreements with Switzerland, not only the states but also the regions and communities must have a say.

The Swiss cantons provide an example of how subsidiarity can be taken seriously. Decisions are made where people live. This is the same request we have for EU–Switzerland relations: local authorities – including regions in the Székely Land – must be active participants in shaping our shared future.

We are not talking about administrative participation, but meaningful involvement in content.

That is why I also highlighted that:
• Minority communities, like ours, are not decorative elements but the custodians of European diversity.
• Regions like Harghita County cannot be excluded from decisions just because they have fewer resources.
• Cooperation with Switzerland should not be a privilege of central authorities, but an opportunity for regions.

I called for the Committee of the Regions and local authorities to be involved in both the implementation and evaluation of agreements. Our citizens do not live in capitals – they live with us, in counties, villages, and communes.

Switzerland and the EU differ in many ways – but in taking responsibility for local communities, we can build an exemplary relationship.

The voice of the Székelyföld cannot be quieter than that of other regions.
And as long as I am at the negotiating table, it will not be.