During the CIVEX commission meeting held on 26 March, members discussed the Conference on the Future of Europe, European Charter of Fundamental Rights, the European Democracy Action Plan, partnership with the Southern Neighbourhood and Brexit.
During a debate on the CoR draft opinion on a renewed partnership with the EU's southern neighbourhood, Mr József Kóbor, member of the Pecs City Council (Hungary) evoked intense cooperation between Hungary and northern African countries in the 1960s and 1970s and called on the EU to promote economic and agricultural development in North Africa and the Middle East and, especially to help young people through scholarships and development of entrepreneurial skills.
Discussing citizen participation in the Conference on the Future of Europe, member of the Galway City Council and CoR rapporteur on establishing a permanent dialogue with citizens, Declan McDonnell presented his opinion to the European Parliament's rapporteur Helmut Scholz and representatives of the Bertelsmann Foundation. "Citizens should be able to speak to us when and where they feel the need for it," Cllr McDonnell said. "We need to go where people are, hear what they want to say on topics they consider relevant, and ensure systematic feedback on their proposals and concerns."
Finally, during the debate on the Brexit Adjustment Fund, member of the Flemish Parliament and our group's first vice president Karl Vanlouwe pointed out that the support provided by the Brexit Adjustment Reserve should be distributed based on solidarity and directed most towards those areas which suffered the heaviest impact on trade, such as Ireland, Netherlands and Flanders.