​On 4 July the COTER commission met in Brussels to discuss a draft opinion on simplification of the ESIF from the perspective of Local and Regional Authorities where members called for reduction of administrative burden for beneficiaries of the ESIF. In this regards, they pointed out the need to make rules clearer, and to establish trust between the various actors. The EA group coordinator Mr Augusto Rollandin added that simplification is badly needed as simpler procedures would make EU more visible on the ground and bring it closer to citizens.
 
In addition to simplification, COTER members dealt with two other opinions. First, the opinion on the aviation strategy that highlights the role of regional airports and their importance for aviation sector development. The second opinion on an EU roadmap for cycling that emphasises the  LRAs role in shaping the conditions for tomorrow's urban and regional transport and mobility system, in accordance to the  principle of subsidiarity.