​The EA group President Dr Uno Silberg, in the occasion of the celebration of the COR 20th years anniversary, recalled the achievements of the COR and invited all CoR members to work together to address future challenges,"I am amazed by the changes and great results we have achieved in such a relatively short period of time with us being the voice of local and regional governments in the European Union's decision making process", said Dr Silberg whilst addressing the CoR Plenary. "We can be satisfied with what we have done over the years, the powers and recognition we have obtained, but with this in mind, we have to address the main challenges that lie ahead of us both in the EU and beyond, where neighbouring countries like the Ukraine are looking at us as a source of hope and future prosperity. While we have endured a hard-hitting financial and economic crisis which has had a devastating impact on many of our citizens, this has also contributed to the crisis of confidence in the European Union. The European election's results are an indication that we need to change. We need to change the way we communicate, we should make more effort to explain what we are doing and what we have achieved.  We have to rebuild trust with the citizens, this should be our main goal for the future months and years to come!"
 
Dr Silberg in his concluding remarks congratulated Mr Valcarsel and Mrs Bresso, President and Vice President of the COR, on their elections to the European Parliament and thanked them for their contribution to the CoR work over the last years.  "I am sure you will still remain strong supporters of the CoR and that you will stand by our side, sharing our battles" he concluded.

Link to speech ET