On 11 October during the CoR Plenary, members debated on the future of the EU in the presence of Danuta Hubner, the EP chair of constitutional affairs committee.
Speaking on behalf of the EA Group Nanette Maupertuis, councillor of the Corsican territorial community executive, highlighted the important role of the CoR in bridging the gap with citizens.
"We local elected representatives could be a powerful multiplier for the EP and act as a 'megaphone' when addressing issues that concern citizens." she said.
"There is ample room for capitalizing on the political weight of the European Parliament and its members and the CoR members proximity by joining forces and coordinating activities", she added.
In her speech she also recalled the importance for the EU to comply with the subsidiarity principle and the need to be receptive to local needs.
Movements and parties across the EU that advocate powers to their regions are gaining ground and influence.
"If the EU pretends not to see it, it will not go down well in the future. Subsidiarity should be the guiding principle and the role of local and regional governments should be strengthened", she concluded.